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Sharjah taxi fleet busier than ever

SHARJAH — The Sharjah taxis have witnessed a major increase in passenger movement from here to the other emirates during the first half of this year as compared to the corresponding period last year, say transport officials.

Abdullah Al Zari, General Manager of Sharjah Public Transport Corporation (SPTC) that regulates the Sharjah Taxi Department, told Khaleej Times that from January to June this year, the emirate's taxi service has transported 2.9 million passengers to other emirates, a marked increase over 600,000 passengers ferried in the first half of last year.

"In the current year's passenger movement, 2.3 million people travelled in Sharjah taxis to Dubai.

"Over 205,000 people travelled to Abu Dhabi, and around 70,000 each to Ras Al Khaimah, Al Ain and Khor Fakkan." said Al Zari.

Last week, the SPTC inducted the fifth inter-emirate taxi operator to give a boost to tourism and improve transport services in the emirate.

The SPTC chief said special attention was also being paid to the transport systems in the Eastern and Central regions.

"As many as 135 new taxis will be operating in the Eastern region within three months," he said.

As many as 55 taxis have been earmarked for Khor Fakkan-Dibba, 35 for Al Hisn and 45 for Kabla.

Another 128 vehicles will be added to the existing 55 taxis in the Central region.

All taxis in these regions start at Dh2 with Dh1 added after every 800 metres. Besides strengthening the fleet, the SPTC has launched the unified dispatch centre.

"Contract for the project worth Dh30 million has already been signed with a Singaporean company and the centre will be ready in 15 months," said Al Zari, adding that it would help provide better service to the residents and give the SPTC better control as a regulator.

"In next three months, Sharjah Taxi will press into service 35 more airport vans," he added.

asmaalizain@khaleejtimes.com

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