Old taxi owners in Sharjah get Dh351.5m in 12 years

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) Sharjah gave Dh351,562,000 as annual compensation and monthly bonuses to the owners of old taxi number plates in the emirate over the period from 2005 to 2016.
Recently, the authority has paid Dh10,54,000 in compensation to owners of old taxi number plates being operated by Sharjah Taxi and the three franchise companies operating in the emirate.
All the due bonuses have already been transferred to the bank accounts of 5,027 owners of old taxis or the bank accounts of their heirs, according to a top official.
Eng Yusuf Saleh Al Suwaihi, Chairman of RTA Sharjah, on Tuesday said that the bonus is distributed on an annual basis, apart from a monthly compensation of Dh2.5 million distributed every month or extra Dh30 million paid every year.
The move reflects the keenness of His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, to support all segments of the society, particularly low-income ones, and to enhance social solidarity and look after their social affairs, Suwaihi underlined.
"The total annual bonus distributed last year was increased to Dh2,000 for each taxi number plate owner, instead of Dh1,000 annual compensation paid in 2011 and 2012."
As per the set rules and regulations, the annual bonus is added to the monthly compensation paid to the Emirati owners of old cabs.
"The compensation is only distributed to the applicants who submitted the credentials required," said Abdulaziz Al Jarwan, Director of RTA Sharjah for Transport Affairs.
Applicants have to approach the new headquarters of the RTA Sharjah at the Ezra area and submit the requisite documents to avoid delay of bonus or compensation, Jarwan said.
"RTA Sharjah is running a fleet of 5,200 taxis operated by four franchise companies," he said, urging eligible beneficiaries to contact RTA Sharjah Call Centre at 600525252 round-the-clock for inquiries. - ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com

• Sharjah