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Roads and Transport Authority cracks the whip on illegal passenger taxis

Third crackdown in 6 months; 25 inspectors deployed in nine areas

The Public Transport Agency (PTA) of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) launched its third campaign against illegal taxis and passenger transport in a concerted effort to put a stop to this illegal practice, which endangers the passengers and the community in Dubai.

The campaign, launched earlier this month, is the third in a series, the first of which was launched at the end of last year.

In the ongoing campaign, 25 RTA inspectors have been deployed in nine areas in Dubai, including Al Ghubaiba, Jebel Ali, Al Quoz and Sonapor in Muhaisnah, where this illegal practice is found “rampant”.

Dr Yousef Al Ali, CEO of the PTA, said the first campaign was launched in December 2013 in a bid to curb, if not completely eradicate, the practice of using private vehicles to transport people. “Before the launch of the campaign, offences reported last year reached 2,647, with about 1,344 offences being reported last December alone.”

Passengers are tempted to use the illegal service because of the lower rates offered by individuals looking to make quick money. “There are many issues in this type of service, including the danger of passengers not being ... covered by insurances. This is happening worldwide and not just in Dubai.”

Dubbed as ‘Saher’, the series of intensive campaigns resulted in a substantial reduction of offences to about 866 during the second campaign from 10 March to 10 April.

Al Ali said the campaign helped in reducing malpractices of illegal passenger transport by as much as 30 per cent. “The campaigns, which are conducted in coordination with the Dubai Police, will continue ... The next campaign will be in September this year.”

The campaign started with a team of 40 inspectors working round the clock in two shifts. The next one — from March to April — had 36 inspectors. “Work teams were divided into different groups to detect this illegal practice. Individuals are being deployed on shift basis, particularly during the peak hours ... Inspectors have been trained ... with the tasks and methods of inspection to combat this ... (practice). The universal inspector initiative was implemented (along) with an analysis of the feedback reflected in the Complaints Manual in order to identify the nine key spots where this activity is rampant,” Al Ali said.

Offences monitored and caught during the campaigns include illegal transporting of general cargo in heavy vehicles; transporting passengers on hired buses; and individuals posting ads through the media to promote passenger transport in their private vehicles.

The PTA’s CEO urged all customers to report illegal taxis by calling on 800-9090. “We need the support of all customers. They should stop ... (using) ... these ... illegal taxis and transport.”

lily@khaleejtimes.com