UAE | Traffic and Transport
Readers largely opposed to new taxi flag-fall rate
Gone are the days when the flag-fall rate on taxi meters was Dh3. Gulf News readers say they are still coming to terms with the introduction of the Dh20 starting fare when taking a taxi between Sharjah and Dubai.
- By Sanya Nayeem, Community Journalist
- Published: 23:25 December 2, 2008
- A fare that starts at Dh20 is an additional ordeal for commuters. I don't think I will be interested, says Sudha Subramanian, Dubai resident.
- Image Credit:
Dubai: Gone are the days when the flag-fall rate on taxi meters was Dh3. Gulf News readers say they are still coming to terms with the introduction of the Dh20 starting fare when taking a taxi between Sharjah and Dubai.
The new rate was introduced on Monday.
In the absence of alternative transportation options, most commuters said the new taxi fare would burn a hole in their pockets but have no significant impact on traffic congestion.
Taxi companies in both Sharjah and Dubai lobbied for the new flag-fall rate. The decision was taken to provide an incentive to taxi drivers, who have sometimes refused to make the trip between the two emirates, especially during peak hours or on holidays, leaving passengers helpless.
Sudha Subramanian, an Indian expatriate residing in Dubai, said she was very surprised when she heard about the new rate.
"A fare that starts at Dh20 is an additional ordeal for commuters. I don't think I will be interested in taking taxis between the emirates anymore," she said.
Subramanian added that commuters and taxis should have had more time to prepare for the introduction of the new rate, as many taxi meters had not yet been updated to reflect it.
Carpool
According to Rehan Khalid, a Pakistani expatriate and Sharjah resident, the extra expense would compel travellers to use their own vehicles or carpool.
"I think most people will opt for inter-emirate taxis only as a last resort. Additionally, those who do not drive and depend on taxis to take them to their workplace will face enormous financial pressures as a result of this new rule," Khalid said.
Hassan, a Gulf News reader and Sharjah resident, agreed. Formerly a frequent taxi-user, he said in a comment on www.gulfnews.com that he would have to cut down on his trips.
"The minimum fare will definitely force me to think twice before travelling to Dubai."
Thomas, a Dubai resident, echoed his sentiments in another online comment.
"All the Dh20 starting fare will do is make life harder for commuters travelling between Dubai and Sharjah."
However, Ali Arjomandi, an Iranian expatriate and Dubai resident, said that when he read about the new charge he was in two minds about its impact.
"I think a fixed minimum charge will help reduce the number of people travelling between the two emirates and ease congestion on roads. But the fare also stretches the financial capabilities of commuters."
Arjomandi added that the minimum fare may have been introduced too soon.
So what is the answer to this problem?
Subramanian offered a solution: "People will use these taxis only if the roads are free of traffic. Increasing the number of shuttle busses between the emirates would help."
Transport: Costly decision
Sharjah Transport Authority and Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority introduced a new flag-fall rate of Dh20 from December 1 for commuters travelling by taxi between Sharjah and Dubai.
Travelling from Sharjah, the flag-fall rate was previously Dh2.40 during the day and Dh3.30 after dark.
Travelling from Dubai, taxis started their meters at Dh3 during the day and Dh3.50 at night.
Serving as an incentive for taxi drivers to take passengers between the two emirates, the new fare also compels commuters to look for alternative modes of transport.
Do you travel in taxis? How has the new charge impacted your expenses? Has the additional Dh20 fare changed your frequency of taxi commutes between Sharjah and Dubai? Fill in the form belllow to send your comments.
Your comments
I usually take a taxi whenever I am in a hurry to go to Sharjah. This is around every other day. With this new rule, it would be better for me to travel by bus, which only costs Dh5.
Sakeena
Dubai,UAE
Posted: December 03, 2008, 11:18
The Dh20 fare is too high and this will definitely make people use buses. I think taxis will be used only as a last resort.
Naina Nair
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: December 03, 2008, 11:04
I think that the new charges are diabolical! Many low paid workers cannot afford to live in Dubai. For many this will just make their situation worse. I realise Dubai and Sharjah have a major congestion problem but the answer should be to dramatically improve public transportation - not just increase prices.
From A Reader
Dubai,UAE
Posted: December 03, 2008, 10:38
More options need to be considered and implemented. What about dedicated public transport and taxi lanes in congested areas? Also, not only is it hard to get a taxi between Dubai and Sharjah, I cannot even get one on the road within Dubai. This is due to the fact that taxi drivers earn nothing in waiting time. I am happy to pay some additional cost while waiting in traffic if it means that I do not get refused a taxi ride. Every driver wants me to say that I am going to Dubai Marina. Sorry I am not.
Also, I have heard that the Salik toll will no longer be applicable to taxis. Can this extra fare button on the taxi meter be disabled so that disputes can be avoided?
Marcus
Dubai,UAE
Posted: December 03, 2008, 10:08
In essence, what this is doing is forcing people that have no other mode of transportation to spend the minimal amount that they earn on transportation. A person that works in a different emirate from where they work will now be spending a minimum of Dh200 per week if they take a taxi to travel to and from their work place. That is Dh800 per month. You have people that can barely pay their rent and put food on the table, let alone afford a car payment. What you will see is the same congestion but people would be suffering more financially and then frustrated because not only are they still sitting in a taxi going nowhere, now they will have to pay more to do it.
Christy
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: December 03, 2008, 09:23
It does not matter whether it is Dh20 or Dh100. The problem these days is taxi drivers only take passengers when they feel like it. The commuters have to adjust to the taxi drivers' rules and moods. The drivers usually take tourists.
From A Reader
Dubai,UAE
Posted: December 03, 2008, 09:00
The new taxi charges will make it hard for commuters to travel between Sharjah and Dubai. I think the best option would be to have water taxis for commuters to travel between the two emirates rather than using the water taxi in the same emirate. New taxi charges will be of no help and would instead make us lose or change our jobs.
From A Reader
Dubai,UAE
Posted: December 03, 2008, 08:56
The additional fare is a financial burden for those who have moved to Sharjah because of an inability to rent in Dubai. If this is to compel us to find alternative modes of transportation, then those need to be provided first. Buses are usually full and do not stop, especially since they have limited seats for women. What alternatives do we have?
Michele Al Khatib
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: December 03, 2008, 06:58
No matter how hard we try to accept it our wallet limits us. Why not reduce the price of petrol since the world market price has gone down below $50 (Dh183.5) a barrel? This way everyone will be happy. Paying Dh20 is too much, it will only drive passengers away and force them to look for a cheaper alternative.
From A Reader
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: December 03, 2008, 01:51
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