No drinking or eating in Abu Dhabi taxis

Abu Dhabi: Taxi drivers in the capital say they have to routinely remind passengers not to eat or drink inside cabs.

Eating, drinking or smoking inside cabs is prohibited in Abu Dhabi and violators could be fined Dh500. However, many people remain ignorant of the rules.

“Every few days I get a passenger who’d board the cab carrying a sandwich or coffee. I have to point to a notice that lists the dos and don’ts for passengers. Some abide by the rules, others don’t, leading to heated exchanges,” said a Bangladesh cabbie.

Morning hours

Pakistani cabbie Rashid Alam, said the problem is particularly bad during morning hours.

“Most offenders are office-goers, hurrying out to work. From fruits and sandwiches to biryani and curry, I have had to deal with everything,” said Alam. “And then there are parents who don’t think twice before handing a chocolate bar, chips packet or juice tetra box to their little ones. I doubt it they would do that if it were their own car,” added Alam.

Another cabbie, Thomas Matthew, said passengers who refuse to let go of their food or drink have no place in his cab. “They create a mess which we have to clean later. The food dirties the cab’s upholstery and leaves a bad smell which is very discomfirting for other passengers,” he said.

A customer support official at TransAD, the Centre for Regulation of Transport by Hired Cars in Abu Dhabi said passengers are not allowed to eat or drink in cabs.

“The rulers are very clear. Eating, drinking, smoking and pets are not allowed in the cabs. These rules are to maintain hygiene standards,” he said, adding that the cabbie can either call the police or TransAD inspectors if a passenger refuses to cooperate.

A fine of Dh500 will be slapped on passengers for flouting the rules.

Residents who use public transport said there should be more awareness of the rules.

“I moved to Abu Dhabi recently and I didn’t know that eating or drinking inside cabs could invite a Dh500 fine,” said Filipino expat Pascal Rolenda. “There should be more be more awareness about these rules,” he added.