UAE | Traffic and Transport

Sharjah sets minimum taxi fare at Dh10, hikes fares

A senior official at Sharjah Transport on Sunday citing recent fuel price hikes, announced that starting on September 1, the minimum cost for all taxi trips will be Dh10

By Mariam M. Al Serkal, Staff Reporter
Published: 15:06 August 15, 2010

Image Credit: Gulf News archive
The newly-revised tariff for taxis in Sharjah will be Dh1 for every 620 metres covered.

Sharjah: As of September 1, commuters in Sharjah will have to pay more for their taxi journeys as a result of the introduction of a minimum taxi fare, in addition to an increase in the tariff.

A senior official at Sharjah Transport announced on Sunday that the minimum fare for all taxi trips will be Dh10. The tariff, meanwhile, will be revised to Dh1 for every 620 metres covered, as opposed to the former rate of Dh1 for every 650 metres covered.

"The change in the tariff, as well as the introduction of a minimum fare, were established after we received numerous demands from taxi franchisee companies which were unable to cope with the recent hike in fuel prices which in turn increased their operating costs," said Abdullah Al Zari, Director-General of Sharjah Transport.

"So if the meter in the taxi reads Dh7 [at the end of the journey], the passenger will have to pay Dh10 instead," he said.

Al Zari said that the flag-fall rate at which the meter starts will remain the same at Dh3.5 during the day and Dh4 during the night.

The introduction of a minimum fare is intended to benefit passengers as well as the five taxi franchisee companies since it will enable the latter to improve their quality of service, according to Sharjah Transport.

Comments (87)

Added 15:58 August 16, 2010

Its not fair for those passengers. If this will happen in sharjah which unlike in dubai that has a lot of option like buses and train, sharjah doesn't have. So people from Sharjah will be forced to take taxis even when their destination is just a few km away. People can't just walk outside now a days because of the heat, so be considerate.

Aayah al Shamsi, Umm al quwain, Philippines

Added 15:22 August 16, 2010

The fare hike is not beneficial for passengers. It is only for taxi operating companies. The fare hike will come around 250 percent. And there is no relation with the hike in fuel price and taxi charge. In Sharjah local bus service is very poor, so the hike will affect the people too much. The authorities have to arrange more local transport facility for the ordinary people.

Anonymous, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Added 15:07 August 16, 2010

This is preposterous. I don't understand why the Sharjah Taxi companies are hiring drivers that can't even understand simple English. Most of the drivers can't speak english and can't follow simple directions. Not to mention the lack of hygiene and manners specially towards women. Sometimes they don't give you exact change and when an argument starts, you'll start seeing rude manners like talking out loud in their native dialect. To add more, most of the drivers are reckless ones. From killer overtakes in the road to overspeeding with added uneducated manners in the road towards other drivers. And there are lots of taxi drivers who refuses to take you for a ride. Give us satisfying reasons why we should consider and be contented with the AED 7 increase in the transportation.

Lyle, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Added 14:53 August 16, 2010

This is wrong. I don't understand why the Sharjah Taxi companies are hiring drivers that can't even understand simple English. Most of the drivers can't speak english and can't follow simple directions. Not to mention the lack of hygiene and manners specially towards women. Sometimes they don't give you exact change and when an argument starts, you'll start seeing rude manners like talking out loud in their native dialect and making look like stupid trying to understand what they're saying. To add more, most of the drivers are reckless ones. From killer overtakes in the road to overspeeding with added uneducated manners in the road towards other drivers. And there are lots of taxi drivers who refuses to take you for a ride. You'd be too lucky if you end up riding with a courteous driver who at least speaks basic english and no foul smell inside the car. Are these Sharjah Taxis not paying their drivers well that they can't even try to get at least a bit hygienic? Give us satisfying reasons why we should consider and be contented with the AED 7 increase in the transportation.

Lyle, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Added 14:34 August 16, 2010

I am a lady who's been travelling alone for the past 1 year thru shj taxis.This hike is not at all agreeable considering the service provided.The drivers as well as the taxis smell n their behavior is too far from decency.Also,this hike is not going to be worth as its only the middle class who use the taxis and squeezing them even more is not a wise option.Dubai services is so much safe compared to shj and its sad the concerned authorities are not even bothered about the residents.

Anonymous, sharjah, India

Added 14:19 August 16, 2010

this is just so bad, alreay the people are hestating to use the taxi because of the fare. and now its been doubled with minimum fare of 10 dhs. *HORRIBLE*

Hani omar, sharjah, Afghanistan

Added 14:18 August 16, 2010

Last time I was in Sharjah was 5 years ago and I must say I am really impressed with the improvement in infrastructure. I would really like to commend the authorities for the massive effort they put in the development of roads, parks and housing units. But one place they're lacking is in public transport. With a lot of low income expatriates making sharjah their home, the government should come with a marshall plan in public transport. I'm pretty sure if they provided public transport like dubai has, the quality of life of the people of this emirate will improve dramatically. The expats would have a lot more disposable income to socialize and provide better lives and also entertainment for their families. I would urge the Sharjah Transport department to seriously consider this and start an action plan in the next year or so to create a wide ranging metro transport network. They should incorporate a train service that would compliment the one in dubai. The future is here Sharjah. Please embrace it. Thank you

Ibrahim, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Added 14:12 August 16, 2010

I pay around 12 for a round trip now I have to pay 20. This is not fair. Why should I pay for the distance that I didn't covered? At-least some alternative should be considered for the public by the authorities before taking such a step. "The introduction of a minimum fare is intended to benefit passengers..." May be he meant that if you walk instead of taking the CAB then you will be healthier!!

Haris, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Added 14:10 August 16, 2010

This is really unfair. Travelling inside Sharjah usually does not require long distances. Now we have to pay more for lesser travel. It is mentioned in the last part of this article that the rule is for passengers and taxi companies alike. How is it beneficial for passengers?

Derrick, Sharjah, Philippines

Added 14:09 August 16, 2010

I strongly disagree with this increase in fare especially in a country who's tempeture reached 40 degrees. If Sharjah have problems with their finances why take it from the people. REcently, there was a sudden raise of SEWA charges even there were black outs in Sharjah. Then again this increase in taxi fare.

Anonymous, sharjah, Zimbabwe