Taxi service

Looking eagerly for a taxi in the sweltering heat, late for a doctor's appointment. After a long wait, you finally see one driving towards you. Your relief, however, is short-lived as the driver drives past, leaving behind a blast of air and much more frustration. How often have you had a similar experience? The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) took steps in the past month aimed at improving the taxi service, including the introduction of a minimum taxi fare of Dh10 and revoking the grace period before waiting charges are levied. Gulf News spoke to readers about their opinion on the taxi service in the country.

Behaviour by taxi drivers is the same in all big cities across the world.

What can one say about taxi drivers here! They just do not listen to what the passengers say and misbehave, too. To top it all, they really don't like you if your fare is not more than Dh15. I mostly end up fighting with them, because they just don't listen. Complaints made against the drivers should be tested by the transport authority, who can be dressed as civilians and re-check the way they treat passengers.
Naila Aamir
Dubai

I have an experience only in a few Indian cities and then in Dubai. Here, my primary problem is waiting too long for a taxi. Human beings are more a blend of emotions than logic. Instead of blaming a few unruly drivers, we should control our behaviour in public. Additionally, the transport authorities should have a grievances cell, which should directly deal with these issues in a stringent manner.
Shahul Hamid
Dubai

Some taxi drivers in big cities may try to trick you out of your money by playing with the meter. I have never observed any such behaviour here. I feel the taxi drivers are mostly well-behaved and helpful. I know that they do not like short trips, so I offer them more than the value of the trip, if it is too short. They would probably react better if you treat them with respect and behave similarly.
Necip Camcigil
Dubai

I have not come across bad behaviour among taxi drivers here. However, I think culture makes a big difference in how they behave. In Mumbai, taxi drivers are very accommodating, but my experience was quite different in Australia. The taxi drivers there were quite rude. It is not necessary to talk to passengers, but it helps if you are new to a city. Drivers in Mumbai respond to queries and give you information.
Pamela Nazareth
Dubai

Taxi fares in the UAE are cheaper compared to those in Western cities.

The taxi fare is definitely higher than in the US. I have not faced a problem with taxis as I have driven my own car ever since I came to the UAE, seven years ago. However, I have heard a lot of complaints from other residents. The issues range from bad attitude to foul smelling taxis.
Ghadi Daban
Dubai

If you compare it to the UK, fares are definitely cheaper here. But compared to the rest of the region, they are quite high. I use taxis at times, and my experience has been mostly positive. The taxis are clean, the drivers are professional and do not misbehave. However, there is a serious problem with the availability of taxis. Also, you have to pay an additional amount if you call in for a taxi.
Maha Ahmad
Sharjah

The taxi service seems to be quite expensive, especially with the minimum fixed price and the removal of the grace period for waiting charges. I understand that taxi drivers need better pay, but at the same time it is supposed to be a public service. Compared to the UK, yes the taxis are cheaper. However, I believe that it is not as high in the US, where taxis are meant to be for the common man to use.
Fatima Hassan
Dubai

As far as I know they are expensive. I have been using a lot of taxis lately, and I seem to be spending a lot. When you call for a taxi it starts at a higher price and it becomes difficult to travel from point A to point B. I used to go for driving classes, so took a taxi almost every day. Now, I have a licence and feel much better as I do not have to wait for a taxi.
Martina Hendricks
Dubai

Privatisation of taxi service leads to more efficiency.

Private sectors, by default, are result oriented. Staff are delegated and designated based on the scope of work. Routine observations are made to enhance the quality and quantity of individuals. Targets are to be achieved by acute planning and adjustments at times; as private sectors have to have more competitors than usual. Privatisation is better proven in almost all the sectors of functional activities.
Sujit Goswami
Dubai

Taxis have become unaffordable for the average resident. When taxis were privately owned, they were quite economical and an attractive option for commuters. Now the prices have risen drastically, not considering the common man's pocket size. With the global economic situation, this is troubling a lot of people. Privatisation will lead to healthy competition and fares will reduce automatically.
P. S. Mathew
Sharjah

Mostly, public services need to cover a very vast area, which reduces their efficiency. It would definitely be better if the service is privatised as they would be able to micro-manage. By zeroing in on the specific problem, companies will be able to sort the issues better. I once waited for a taxi for two hours in Jumeirah. I have had many such bad experiences with the taxi service.
Nirmal Devasurendra
Dubai

I do not use taxis much, but have heard a lot of complaints on the lack of availability of taxis. However, privatisation is not the answer. That would just make things worse and the service would further deteriorate. There would be no control over how the taxi drivers behave. This is still an issue, and I think the transport authorities should look at how taxi drivers refuse to take passengers if the trip is too short.
Naresh Gupta
Dubai

There would be less traffic congestion if taxis were available only through dial-in services.

Currently, the dial-in service available is not very efficient. It would definitely become more difficult to get a taxi if they were only available through a dial-in service. Also, it would not work in case you urgently need a taxi. The traffic situation has eased over the past few days, and there would be no need for such a service. People are already hesitating from taking taxis because of the additional fares.
Subair Chooriyot
Dubai

It would work only if they follow through. Earlier, I did try using the dial-in service, but the response was not timely. That probably discouraged people. Additionally, the availability has increased over the past year. I now find shorter queues for taxis in front of shopping malls. So I doubt it would be very successful, as you would find a taxi on the roads more easily.
Arpitha Reddy
Dubai

It may reduce traffic congestion, but I have my doubts on such a service. Firstly, when I did avail of the dial-in service having come to the UAE more than a year ago, it was not very helpful. They did not come on time, and I remember waiting for hours for a taxi. Even today, I feel short trips are an issue with taxi drivers and a dial-in service would not be helpful.
Shivani Singh
Dubai

I don't see how it would make a difference. There are so many taxis lined up near hotels or malls, and often they do not get passengers. I understand the plight of taxi drivers, but more needs to be done to improve the public transport service. There should be a combination of taxi stands, in areas where there is heavy congestion, as well as taxis on the road.
Fiona Mendonca
Dubai