TO BE PLACED IN A BOX:
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The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) responds to, ‘Letters to the editor: Dubai taxi dilemma’, published in on May 12.
Regarding the letter about how taxi drivers must be well informed about roads in the UAE, we would like to point out that new drivers undergo practical training on locations and route-planning for a period of 10 days. Examinations are later held to assess how much did the drivers benefit from the training. Drivers are trained on locations of consulates, shopping malls and tourism destinations. As for being well-versed in the names of specific shops that are not very popular or well known, it is hard for drivers to know such information.
The drivers are also trained on how to use the new navigation systems in their cars to reach a specific destination. A booklet containing information on 822 locations in Dubai is also distributed to drivers.
Taxis refusing to stop:
As for such wrong practices by drivers, we would like to extend our apologies for such actions. The authority rejects such actions that have a negative impact on service standards and customer satisfaction. The authority would like to inform you that they are working very hard to curb these kinds of actions and to improve customer satisfaction. Some of the measures include:
1. Training: The authority has set up a comprehensive training centre (affiliated with the Public Transport), that will provide training sessions to enhance the skills of taxi drivers and instill the concept of an excellent service and customer relations. Training sessions are continuously held to ensure that the drivers preserve and develop their skills.
2. Incentives: Can be achieved through the authority introducing a mechanism to encourage drivers to accept customer requests and curb behaviour pertaining to drivers refusing to transport customers. This can be achieved through providing taxi drivers with a share (or percentage) of total trips made, regardless of how short the trip is. In addition to introducing mechanisms for routinely honouring drivers with cash or gifts.
3. Supervision and punishments: The authority has set up a unit for looking into customer complaints, whether its from customers or the public. The unit will call in the driver immediately to investigate the issue and take the necessary action, if required. In addition, the authority will also conduct regular supervision, 24 hours day, on the performance of drivers in order to observe any wrong practices and implement the necessary measures to curb them.
4. Taxi car booking service through the use of phones, website, or smart applications: The authority provides the taxi booking service through the following number: 04-2080808. The centre dispatches the closest taxi to the customer’s location. Customers can also download the Taxi Booking centre’s smart app (RTA Smart taxi) on the Apple Store and (Dubai Smart taxi) on the Play Store.
5. The role of customers in supervision: In case of any complaint regarding a driver, customers can call the toll free number (8009090) and provide the following details: The bus number, time, date, location and complaint details. The authority will then call in the driver and take necessary action.
The Roads and Transport Authority
Dubai
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Loans: No other choice
There are two types of defaulters: Ones who don’t want to pay and the others who are forced to default (‘Loan default is a one-way ticket to ruin for expatriates’, Gulf News, May 27). Forced defaulters are people who are suffering from labour cases and can’t get jobs. Does the bank take into consideration that some people have genuine ongoing cases, are unable to work or can’t get a temporary work permit? I don’t think the bank will at any point negotiate. I myself have been in problems for more than a year and I don’t think the banks support such things. The question is, why doesn’t the bank take notice of genuine people who are forced into such loans because of the cost of living? Why are banks pressing criminal charges when they don’t know the facts? This also has to be acknowledged.
From Mr Subramanian V.
UAE
Website comment
Understanding loan insurance
I was reading news regarding loan defaulters and many banks opt to file criminal cases against defaulters. I do agree that those who are taking loans must return the loan amount on a timely basis. In the UAE all banks provide loans on a condition that the person’s monthly salary will be transferred to the bank and the bank demands a salary transfer letter from the company they work for so that banks can collect it monthly, as soon as salaries are in. Secondly, when the bank approves a loan, they charge 1.5 per cent of the total loan amount as insurance charges. Now my concern is in the UAE where no company gives employees a job guarantee until the age of retirement and after taking a loan, that person might lose their job and become unable to find another job. This is an unjustified time to take legal action against a defaulter. If the bank prefers to take legal action, then banks should stop collecting insurance fees. I request Gulf News to look into this matter and investigate why banks take such heavy amounts for loan insurance and what are the benefits to the bank and the customers.
From Mr Thomas Chandi
UAE
Website comment
Take only what you need
My advice is to just follow Islam. It’s as simple as that! Eat as much as you have, maintain your standard as per your income and be thankful to God. This country and its employment provides everybody with the basic required amenities of life. The problem starts when we start to plan things on the money which is not practically ours. Day by day, the whole world is going towards virtual money in the way of loans and debts. Stop everything until and unless it’s an issue of life and death. If you borrow, then you have to pay as per the agreement or else don’t do an agreement.
From Mr Shamsul Hassan
UAE
Website comment
Parents do anything for children
The story about expatriates being depended upon to save by the dependents is drawn up from a true scenario (‘Dependents weigh on UAE expats’ ability to save’, Gulf News, May 26). For the majority of expatriate workers, dependents come first and a good portion of their earnings go to meet their very basic needs, in particular medical assistance. A general feeling is that financial obligations of those working abroad never end and it keeps increasing day-by-day and goes to even extended family members. Many expatriate workers give up their social connections due to short of sufficient income, but save their best to enjoy life back home when they return.
As living costs keep increasing every day, the very basic needs to survive become so challenging for even youngsters who find jobs in their early days after completing their education. Parents who have children studying for higher education are desperately spending most of their earnings, as they struggle a lot to give their children good educations for their own future. At the same time, those who live with their family and other dependents spend almost all their earnings.
From Mr Ramachandran Nair
Oman
Good deeds matter most
If your parents are alive, be grateful at the opportunity to earn a place in heaven by serving them. It is your good deeds that you will bring into your grave, not your savings or money. Who knows whether we will live tomorrow or not?
From Mr Shahid
UAE
Website comment
Spend well, be rewarded
We should be proud of our culture. Those who help their parents, God will in turn help them. Money comes in today and goes out tomorrow. When you spend on others in a good way, you will make more. Time will show us who does this.
From Mr Sameer
UAE
Website comment
Can’t compare cultures
I don’t think that it’s fair to compare East and West, as they have different cultures and different responsibilities in almost all aspects. So, these kinds of studies have to report according to the community. You can’t compare a billionaire’s lifestyle with a middle class lifestyle. So, please, next time keep in mind these things before generating comparisons.
From Mr Hussain
UAE
Website comment
Editors’ note: Is there a news report that you feel strongly about? Something that has to be addressed in the community and requires resolution? Email us on readers@ gulfnews.com. You can also post a comment on our Facebook page or tweet us @GNReaders.
