Over 750 new cabs to hit Sharjah roads

Sharjah - Dh42.75 million will be spent over the first quarter of 2016 to replace 767 old cabs.

The Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority (SRTA) is to revamp its taxi service in six months, a top official has said.
Abdulaziz Al Jarwan, Director of SRTA for Transport Affairs, on Monday said they are to replace 767 old cabs this year and over the first quarter of 2016 against Dh 42.75million.
The move is in line with the directives of His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, to enhance sustainable development in the emirate.
Sharjah RTA bus and taxi fleets transport some 28 million passengers annually.
These include 16.2 million passengers by taxi and 11.8 million by bus.
"As many as 548 new cabs are to join Sharjah Taxi fleet this year and 219 in the first quarter of 2016 whereas 70 cabs of these have been dedicated for the eastern coast cities. We started with only 270 cabs, but these grew to 720 in 2012 ," Al Jarwan said, adding 520 new cabs joined from 2012 to 2014.
"Our taxi fleet has grown ever since and now 1,540 cabs are running on the roads of Sharjah city, as well as the eastern coast cities of Kalba, Khor Fakkan, and Diba Al Hisn, the central region, and Al Dhaid city."
Al Jarwan said cabs are well-maintained and equipped with cordless devices for better communication with the dispatch section so that cabbies can reach passengers in no time when they book for a service.
With other three taxi franchise companies (Emirates, Union, and Citi) licensed to provide shuttle service in the emirate, the total number of operative cabs here has surged to 5,300 vehicles.
"These include regular cabs, as well as women, family, special needs, and airport only taxis which commute up to 45,000 passengers every day on an average 23 commuters per cab," he said.
Also, 14 inspectors are employed to check the quality of the service being provided and ensure drivers are complying with rules.
The Call Centre, available round the clock at (600525252), receives some 1,200 calls every day, mostly for booking taxis, Al Jarwan underlined.
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com

• Sharjah