RTA web page for car pooling service in June

Khalid Hashim, Director of Planning and Business Development at the Public Transport Agency of the RTA, said the people who wish to go for the car pooling service could register themselves on the webpage.

Khaleej Times had reported on April 1 that those intending to go in for car pooling would have to register themselves with the RTA.

"People can log on to the RTA web site and view the registration page. They will have to fill in their details along with the details of three others working in the same organisation. There would be slots for the details of the vehicle as well. One can also come to the RTA office and get a hard copy of the registration form. Once they have done it, the RTA will issue them with a permit which allows them to go in for the car pooling service.

"The permit would be given after an investigation to avoid any impersonation. If an RTA inspector stops the car on suspicion that it is an illegal taxi, the occupants must show the permit. There will be a mechanism to verify the permit by the inspector," Hashim said.

Earlier, Issa Al Dossari, CEO of the Public Transport Agency, had told Khaleej Times that the agency would develop a link on the RTA web site or create a completely new web site to help those who are into the car pooling practice.

There has been a rise in cases of motorists being fined for giving lifts to passengers. In some cases, the motorists were fined even when they were giving lifts to their friends.

Hashim said they had directed the inspectors not to fine motorists without proper investigation.