Safety and honesty after cameras in Abu Dhabi cabs

Abu Dhabi - System is streamed live to monitoring authorities.

The installation of CCTV cameras and sound recording systems, which began in June of this year and is expected to be completed by June 2016, has so far received an overwhelming positive reaction from both cab drivers and passengers in the UAE's capital.
The project is helping eliminate dangerous driving, speeding and the use of mobile phones while driving. The cameras and sound recording have also helped reduce quarrels between cab drivers and passengers especially when it comes to squabbling over taxi fares.
Drivers told Khaleej Times that the cameras and sound system have certainly put their minds at ease. One cab driver from India, who did not wish to be identified, said since the installation, disputes and mistreatment from customers have decreased.
"Before the cameras were installed, passengers would often argue," he said. "Some would leave the car without paying, while others would ask me to wait and never come back."
Such behaviour by some customers has certainly been one of the reasons why CCTV cameras have been placed in the new cabs, dated 2011 and after. The footage recorded is thus streamed live to TransAD, as well as government monitoring authorities
Certain residents in Abu Dhab, however, say the security has worked both ways as they too feel safe now.
Zainab Hashimi told Khaleej Times that she faced disputes with taxi drivers in the past; however, it has now decreased dramatically. "Once I argued with a driver because he was holding his cell phone throughout the journey. To put the life of your customer in danger because you are messaging is utterly disgraceful," she stated.
The 27-year-old pointed out that her daily journeys are now more peaceful. "Since the cameras have been fitted in most cabbies, I haven't witnessed a driver repeat such offence," she said. "I rely solely on taxis to get around Abu Dhabi, so it's really important for customers like myself to feel they are in safe hands. And I believe the cameras have certainly brought about a positive change in the way taxi drivers treat us and vice-versa."
The security system, which allows specialists to monitor both the driver and the customer, also helps avoid those who log-in false complaints, believes Mohamad Aziz, a taxi driver working in Abu Dhabi. "We've seen some passengers make fake and exaggerated complaints to the company," he said, adding that, "the cameras, which have the footage recorded, will make sure such behaviour does not happen because it will allow a thorough and truthful monitoring."
Sam Kent, an expat from Australia, believes that progressive technology is now being used to instil a greater level of safety, security and honesty between cabbies and their passengers and this is vital for Abu Dhabi's roads. "It's such a positive step and it makes expats like myself feel safer, especially because of the reckless driving I have seen in the past."
"I'm planning on getting my licence soon, but until then, my daily life relies heavily on taxi drivers. It's less of a hassle than driving around and trying to find parking in such a busy city," he pointed out.
Ahmed Mustafa from TransAD told Khaleej Times that roughly 5,000 cabs will include the CCTV system by the end of this year. "Whenever a new car comes in, it will have the camera installed," Mustafa said, adding that, "all the new Toyota Camry models for instance include the security system. So far we have installed about 200, but by the end of the year we will have about 5,000 and by June of next year 100 per cent of the taxi cars shall be completed."
jasmine@khaleejtimes.com

• Abu Dhabi