Sharjah cabbie honoured for returning Dh1.7m

A taxi driver has been honoured for returning a suitcase containing more than a million dirhams as well as important documents to its owner.
Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority, (SRTA), has honoured the Pakistani taxi driver for his honesty and quick response. Abdulaziz Al Jarwan, Director of SRTA for Transport Affairs, on Thursday said the cabbie is working with Sharjah Taxi (one of the four franchise companies operating in the emirate) at the Sharjah International Airport.
"The driver, Naseeb Ullah Sher Dhola, Pakistani, honestly and safely returned a suitcase stuffed with Dh1.7million along with important documents belonged to a Korean merchant."
Al Jarwan said Dhola instantly alerted the RTA Transport office at the airport, which reported the issue to the Sharjah Police. Official records show that the Sharjah Taxi office at the Sharjah International Airport has reported 300 different items found and returned to their owners.
"The cabbie has been declared role model for his counterparts, and presented with appreciation certificates and cash prizes," he said, noting that honouring excellent drivers is so inspiring to others.
Al Jarwan said all staff drivers go through intensive training courses on a regular basis to improve their performance and enhance their response in case of emergency and similar situation as is the case with found items. Residents can contact RTA Sharjah Call Centre at 600 52 5252 round the clock to report lost items in a public bus or a taxi, he advised.
"Passengers would better keep the receipt, and remember the colour of the taxi and driver's uniform as every company has a distinct colour." Honouring honest drivers with cash prize, valuable gifts and appreciation certificates encourages drivers' good conduct, curb traffic violations and complaints, and boost customer satisfaction, Al Jarwan said.
"Up to 265 taxi drivers were honoured last month, and presented with Dh310,000 in cash and as valuable gifts, in appreciation for their honesty and exceptional performance."
As per the Shukran (Thanks) programme worth Dh100,000, staff drivers are rewarded financially and spiritually for behaving well.
"They may also replace the black points imposed against traffic violations with white ones."
With so many reports received on lost items, RTA Sharjah has installed special sensors in its taxi fleet to remind passengers to collect their belongings before getting off. "These sensors, on trial, are to be fitted in all the 5,200 cabs running in the emirate."
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com

• Sharjah