Dubai: A clean track record and honesty are some of the traits that have helped taxi drivers win recognition and rewards by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
As many as 10 taxi drivers from different franchises were felicitated by RTA this year as part of its efforts to encourage honesty, traffic safety and customer service.
Among the awardees were Lalpur Khan, Nasir Gul Mohammad Khan, Mohammad Farouk Mumtaz, Mohammad Shaheen Mohammad, Hassan Ali Khan, Sulaiman Ali Al Rifaei, Iftikhar Ali Sardar, Taymor Gul Ali Gul, Bakhti Rasool and Shahed Ali.
These cabbies clock thousands of kilometres every year but their track records show no accidents, fines or complaints.
Iftikhar Ali Sardar, a cabbie for the last five years, has become the first driver to win the award twice for his excellent customer service and impeccable track record.
More incredible is the record of Lalpur Khan, who hasn’t had a single accident in his nine years as a taxi driver in Dubai.
Honesty has also won them accolades as they were among the cabbies who travelled an extra mile to return valuables left behind by passengers in their taxis.
Yousuf Mohammad Al Ali, CEO of RTA’s Public Transport Agency, commended the persistent daily efforts of taxi drivers in Dubai and thanked them for their hard work and honesty.
“We are excited to meet a group of excellent taxi drivers to recognise their stellar efforts and the sense of responsibility they have shown. They have also exhibited keenness on maintaining RTA’s image among various community segments, and enhancing the profile of Dubai as a reputed metropolis and a premier global hub of business, tourism and finance,” said Al Ali after felicitating the cabbies.
He added that decorating taxi drivers will undoubtedly motivate them to further improve services.
RTA plans to felicitate more drivers on a quarterly basis, while best-performing franchise companies will be honoured during the fourth quarter as well.
