Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi's public transport sector has got a boost on many fronts, with new taxis being introduced on a daily basis, a temporary pause in the phasing out of old taxis and a new bus service in the city.
For many residents the changes are a welcome relief from the scorching summer heat, as commuters no longer need to wait long for taxis or buses.
The 60 air-conditioned buses offering free service on four routes from 6am till midnight in the city have already become very popular with residents.
Meanwhile, 209 new taxis have been introduced recently, TransAD's centre for the regulation of transport by hire cars told Gulf News.
Increased
"The number of new taxis has increased to 2004 and the total number of taxis, old and new, now add up to 9,066," said said Huda Al Ka'abi, communication officer at Trans Ad.
"We are introducing new taxis on a daily basis," she said.
Of about 8,000 old taxis we have so far phased out 938, said Huda. But bearing in mind the shortage of taxis we have relaxed the phasing-out period, said the official.
"We don't discourage owners who voluntarily approach us to cancel their taxi permit. Taxis older than five years will still be phased out, but others will remain on the streets until they are five years old," said the official.
The bus services on four routes, launched on June 30 by the Department of Transport, connects the five major shopping centres in the city, Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi Mall, Al Wahda Mall, Al Mina Shopping Centre and Carrefour with the city.
Six more routes will be added in August with the goal to operate on 21 high-frequency routes by the beginning of 2009, covering most of Abu Dhabi Island, Saeed Al Hameli, general manager of the bus section at the Department of Transport, said earlier.
The project will be completed in phases, with the initial deployment of 258 buses as a short-term solution. The service will be free until the end of this year, to help make public buses the preferred mode of transportation.
The buses will help reduce the tremendous pressure on the taxi sector, Khalid Saleh Al Rashedi, general manager of TransAD, told Gulf News.
The taxi passenger usage ratio in Abu Dhabi is 8 out of 10, which is extremely high compared to the typical ratio of 1 out of 10 in major modern cities around the world.
Relaxing the phasing out of old taxis will help franchisees because many of them are struggling to find enough qualified drivers.
The bus services will help complete the integration of different modes of public transport that complement one another, said Al Rashedi.
Inspections
More taxi inspectors have come on duty in Abu Dhabi to ensure the availability of taxis during peak hours. Inspectors have been appointed to monitor both the old gold and white taxis and the new silver taxis, TransAD said.
The inspectors work morning and evening shifts at key points in the emirate and will acts as observers of the taxi sector. They will ensure that all taxis operate in such a way as to reduce the waiting time during peak hours.
Khalid Al Rashidi, general manager of TransAD, said the centre has identified seven key areas where inspections will take place in the city of Abu Dhabi and its suburbs, and five major areas in Al Ain.
All inspectors will wear special uniforms and will use specially designed vehicles with TransAD's logo and toll free number.
The vehicles will be tracked by the centre. Al Rashedi said the centre has encouraged the seven franchisees to appoint additional inspectors to assist the TransAD inspectors.
Members of the public can call 600 535 353 for any comments, suggestions or complaints on taxi drivers.
