Sharjah reports a decline in illegal passenger services

Sharjah: Officials at Sharjah Transport yesterday announced that the number of permits for private transport and buses have increased, by a total rate of 47 per cent, showing a significant drop in violations of illegal passenger transport.

Mohammad Abdullah Al Buraimi, head of the Department of Fines at Sharjah Transport, explained that permits for private transport drivers have increased by 27 per cent, from 1,640 in the first half of 2009 to 2,275 in the first half of 2010.

"The number of offences for illegal transport of passengers has dropped, which is partially due to the services we offer such as providing temporary permits, as well as commitment from companies to provide a safe means of transportation for their employees," said Al Buraimi, adding that more than 85 per cent of permit holders are now abiding by the rules and regulations.

Growth rate

The number of license permits for bus drivers has increased from 1,744 in the first half of 2009, to 4,128 in the first half of 2010, he pointed out.

The permit is designed to allow passenger buses from companies and institutions, which are leased from outside Sharjah, to carry passengers within the emirate. He also said that the growth rate for issuing permits for buses was 57 per cent higher in the first six months of 2009, compared to that of 2010, which saw an increase from 1,744 to 4,128.

Khaled Al Khayal, director of franchise and licensing activities in Sharjah Transport explained that the issuing of such permits is part of the company's plan to facilitate passengers travelling to and from the city of Sharjah, which also covers buses from rental companies.

"But buses that carry pupils to kindergarten centres, schools and other educational institutes are exempted from this rule and can drive freely from one emirate to another," noted Al Khayyal.

He further added that permits for drivers were mostly given out for companies and institutions who have to provide a means of transport for their employees to and from their jobs.