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Car pooling only by licensed firms

Al Mulla said that only officially licensed companies such as rent-a-car and limousine service companies were allowed to offer car pooling services.

He said that this was being done to curb illegal practices. “People have made this a way of earning. Sometimes they come to the country on visit visas and engage in this practice without licences,” he explained.

“We want to encourage the use of public transport,” he added.

“We also have to pay a certain amount to owners of taxi number plates, therefore, we need to curb such practices and protect our budget,” he added.

He also said that friends travelling together and transport provided by companies was exempted from the ban.

He also said that over the past two years, 250 such cases have been waived. “Sometimes, our officials make mistakes but 95 per cent of the people cooperate with the authority while five per cent go to the court and appeal against the fines which also include impounding of vehicles,” added Al Mulla.

Talking about the shortage of taxis in the emirate, Al Mulla assured that within six months, 600 more Dubai taxis would be introduced.

Meanwhile, a new bus service will soon be launched starting from Al Mulla Plaza to different parts of Sharjah. Najib Al Zarooni, Director of Intercity Transport, said, “The study is almost done and within weeks, we will announce a new service from Al Mulla Plaza to Sharjah City.”

He also said that four different routes were being studied instead of the straight route on Al Ittehad Road to inside the city. “We are focusing on a mass transportation system,” he added.

• UAE