122 Al Ain Taxis Fined for Violating TransAD Rules

Most of the violations were due to unhygienic conditions of the vehicles, not fastening seat belts, expiry of driving or vehicle licences and non-functional meters. Around 800 old and new taxis in Al Ain were inspected, in which 122 were issued violation notices.

Most of the old taxis were found in Al Ain violating TransAD rules.

Abdulla Sultan Al Sabbagh, general manager of TransAD said that among 122 taxis around 110 were old (golden and white colour) taxis. Inspectors found only 12 new taxis (silver colour) violating the authority’s regulations.

TransAD, a division of Abu Dhabi Department of Transport, is gradually phasing out old taxis and bringing in new ones in the emirate.

For the first time, since the beginning of this year, TransAD has started random inspections in Al Ain in cooperation with Al Ain Police targeting old and new taxis.

The joint inspections will continue till the end of February, while TransAD’s own inspections will be year round.

TransAD’s inspectors also are carrying out inspections in Abu Dhabi city particularly on those taxis and private vehicles which illegally transport people from the city to Mussafah, Baniyas and other outskirts of the Capital, Sabbagh said.

Ladies Taxis

A total of 45 ladies-only taxis, 25 in Abu Dhabi city and 20 in Al Ain, driven by ladies, started plying the roads from this week. Sabbagh said these taxis have been converted from silver to pink for women commuters and drivers.

Basically, the service was slated to be launched by end of March but “we have begun this for ease of female travellers,” he said.

All seven operating taxi companies will provide 10 vehicles that will be earmarked for female passengers. The tariff for these taxis is the same as silver colour taxis, Sabbagh said.

Now, women can book taxis through the communication centre by dialing 06-6535353. The service is designated only for women and children below 10, and no male will be permitted to ride them.

anwar@khaleejtimes.com