Dubai: Offering a greater opportunity for leisure to taxi drivers, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has set up a community welfare centre at its Al Muhaisanah premises, RTA announced on Tuesday.
Being managed by RTA’s Dubai Taxi Corporation (DTC), the centre offers facilities that help boost drivers’ satisfaction level.
RTA believes the various facilities of relaxation and recreation at the centre will contribute to raising operational efficiency and realise its vision of bringing happiness to people, customers and the community.
“The centre serves more than 11,000 drivers hailing from 38 nationalities. It is fitted with free WiFi service, water coolers, playgrounds for football, basketball and volleyball, billiard hall, and Etihad Rest Park,” said Yousuf Al Ali, CEO of DTC.
It also houses two residential blocks for drivers, with additional amenities such as a supermarket, barbershop, laundry, restaurant, internet café, a mosque, electronic shops, cafeteria, and a grocery, in addition to a library with 3,000 books, CDs in eight languages, and educational material, attracting about 30 visitors every day.
“The centre also has a section that offers services such as leave applications, passport requests, visa renewal, grievances, suggestions, and certificates. A call centre was established with the aim of communicating with drivers 24/7 through the toll-free number (8008292785). Requests and grievances are received in three languages (Arabic, English and Urdu),” said Al Ali.
Through the centre, the DTC runs a social solidarity fund that provides interest-free loans. Till date Dh1.3 million has been given in loans to various drivers and grants worth Dh130,000 offered in humanitarian assistance.
