RAK taxi fare increased

The taxi meter will now tick faster with Dh1 added every 650 metres instead of 850 metres earlier.

Jason Farhat, Acting General Manager, RAK TA, has attributed the increase to the recent hike in the fuel prices.

He noted that the new fares apply to all taxi companies operating in Ras Al Khaimah, including the Al Hamrah, Cars and Al Arabia taxi operators. Many commuters have however expressed dissatisfaction over the increase.

Mohammed Shahid, an Indian expert working in the Nakheel area of Ras Al Khaimah said he came to know about the new fares only when he hired a taxi on Monday. “I complained to the cab driver because I thought he wanted to cheat me,” said Shahid.

Faisal Khan, a Pakistani salesman in Ras Al Khaimah said given his small salary, he could no longer afford to pay for the taxi services. “I have to walk a certain distance before I hire a taxi to work. I am now looking for a house closer to my work place because I feel I cannot afford to pay for the taxis daily,” said Khan.

Another commuter, Hassan Najib, an Egyptian national said: “The increase in taxi fares is not justifiable. It is a strain on my financial resources.”

He stressed that given the recent financial meltdown, many employees have not been receiving salary increments. A taxi driver in Ras Al Khaimah said the increase in the taxi fares had made it difficult for them because people have become reluctant to hire 
taxis now. — ismail@khaleejtimes.com