UAE | Traffic and Transport

Steering Abu Dhabi cabbies to the right track

If a taxi driver in the capital refuses to take passengers more than thrice in a year, he may end up with the suspension of his licence, according to the "new black points system" introduced by TransAD, the Centre for Regulation of Transport by Hire Cars in Abu Dhabi.

  • By Binsal Abdul Kader, Staff Reporter
  • Published: 23:39 June 8, 2008
  • Gulf News

Abu Dhabi: If a taxi driver in the capital refuses to take passengers more than thrice in a year, he may end up with the suspension of his licence, according to the "new black points system" introduced by TransAD, the Centre for Regulation of Transport by Hire Cars in Abu Dhabi.

Refusing to take passengers will attract three black points and more than nine black points in any 12 month period will lead to the suspension of driver's licence, senior officials at TransAD told Gulf News.

Then he has to undergo re-training and re-assessment, to get his permit back. If he gets more than 20 black points in 36 months, his permit will be cancelled, said the officials.

No taxi drivers have attracted many black points since it was introduced on June 1, Khalid Saleh Al Rashedi, General Manager of TransAD told Gulf News on Sunday on the sidelines of a press conference to announce a reward for an honest taxi driver.

"We not only deliver strict punishments, but we offer rewards also for good drivers".

A regular assessment criterion is being formulated to announce the "driver of the year" and "best franchisee", said Al Rashedi.

Gold, Silver and Bronze awards will be awarded to the drivers for their bravery, safety and honesty. Awards will be attractive to drivers as the awards will be considered while issuing black points for minor offences, said the official. "But serious offences or violations will not be tolerated".

But the drivers cannot use the award for previous black points, said Quentin Fulljames Curtis, Transport Advisor.

"The system does not work retrospectively. Only when the driver has the award can it be taken into account for any future black points," he said.

The violations are split into 2 categories, serious and minor, said Huda Al Ka'abi, communication officer. The serious offences carry a monetary penalty and black points, the minor carry a lesser monetary penalty.

Do you think this will reduce the incidents of misbehaviour among Taxi drivers? what more can be done to improve the standard of service in Abu Dhabi? Tell us at letter2editor@gulfnews.com or fill in the form bellow to send your comments.

  • Rate this article
  • Average reader rating (0 votes) 0 Stars
Tools

Emailing an article to friend is a simple way to share a news item. Your friend will receive an email with your name and email address as well any personal message you choose to send.

The information you provide on this page will not be used to send unsolicited emails.

This service is not intended to encourage spam, and action may be taken against individuals who maliciously enter personal details of another individual.

Share this article

More from UAE Traffic and Transport

  1. Dubai Airshow: Change in Emirates check-in time

  2. Etihad offers 'double daily' to Frankfurt

  3. Heavy vehicle speed limits may be introduced

  4. Free SMS offer for paid parking in Dubai

All articles in Traffic & Transport

More from UAE

Gulf News
Popular in UAE
Readers' pictures
Your pictures

Readers' pictures

The best reader pictures from around the UAE this week

Latest news
Community Reports

More from Community Reports

Weather

More from Weather