Sharjah taxi fare hike from today

Sharjah - The recent fuel price hike has been cited as the reason for the hike. The official said a similar hike from Dh10 to Dh12 was enforced on taxi trips in Dubai a few months ago.

Starting today, a taxi trip in Sharjah will cost a minimum Dh11.50 instead of Dh10; which is Dh1.50 more, according to a senior official.
The recent fuel price hike has been cited as the reason for the hike. The official said a similar hike from Dh10 to Dh12 was enforced on taxi trips in Dubai a few months ago.
"The change introduced to the minimum fare was decided after numerous demands from the four taxi franchise companies operating in the emirate," the official who wished to remain anonymous, told Khaleej Times.
The taxi companies said they could not make it, and were even losing due to the recent hikes in fuel prices, he added. "This has, in turn, increased their operating costs."

Nonetheless, the flag-fall rate at which the meter starts will remain unchanged at Dh3.50 during the day and Dh4 at night, the same official underlined. "The Dh1.50 extra fare is for the benefit of the passengers because the franchise companies will be able to improve their shuttle service quality."
M Emran, a taxi driver here, said the passenger will have to pay minimum Dh11.50 instead of Dh10 no matter how long the trip is, even if the meter counts only Dh3.
"I know this may be a little too much for some passengers, especially the regular ones, but we are helpless, and we are just following the orders of our seniors, otherwise, we will be paying from our pockets."
A. Ashraf, a taxi driver said they were notified about the Dh1.50 hike in minimum charge a week ago. "We have been told that the increase will take effect as of Thursday."
Sara Mohammed, an Arab passenger, said she is a regular taxi passenger. "I really do not know how we can manage with all these hikes. Expenses are skyrocketing. How can we survive?"
Ibrahim Darwish, an Arab passenger, said the Dh1.50 extra fare may not be too much for some, but it is too much for him. "I take a taxi four times a day, and I will feel the pinch"
"Why should I pay Dh11.50 for a trip that used to cost me only Dh5?" wondered Emad Sadiq. "It is really unfair, and the officials concerned should not listen to those franchise companies."
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com

• Sharjah