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Sharing Taxis in Sharjah
a Boon for Workers

Sharjah Taxi recently began a new taxi sharing service for Dh4 from National Roundabout to three major destinations in Dubai.

“The first of its kind, the taxi sharing service experimentally launched a month back is mainly targeting low-income labourers, particularly those at National Roundabout,” Sharjah Taxi Manager, Jassim Al Blushi told
Khaleej Times.

“The new taxi lines, officially operated on Sunday last, are all from National Roundabout to three major destinations in Dubai — Deira, Al Qusais 1 and Al Quoz Industrial area.

“National Roundabout, being distant, vibrant and overcrowded (area) with low-income blue-collar workers, has been chosen for the new service.”

PR executive Ahmed Burei, an Egyptian, said many residents, particularly low-income ones will benefit from
the new service.

“We cannot afford paying Dh20 when taking a taxi from Sharjah to Dubai. We may now save some dirhams,” he said.

Observing that the eight taxis dedicated to the new lines are planned to be increased to 30 by the end of the year, Al Blushi said each of the taxis can accommodate seven commuters per trip.

“That means short waiting periods, express trips, and coverage of the congested areas that may not be easily reached by buses,” he said.

“Passengers now have better options. They do not need to wait for a 30 or 50 passenger bus to be full. They will only pay Dh4 instead of Dh5 for public buses, or Dh15 against meter
taxis trips.” Noting that 65 taxis have been designated for all the taxi sharing lines in Sharjah, Al Blushi said that passengers are queuing up to enjoy
the new service.

“The initiative, adopting strict regulations in terms of tariff, cleanliness, design and timing, has been transferred to the emirates of Ajman and Fujairah,” he said.

“Those sharing taxis have also been given a special colour. They are all orange from below.”

Having been successfully introduced from Al Rolla to Lulu Hypermarket and Industrial Area in Ajman since 2007, Sharjah Taxi is also to launch two new lines in Ajman.

“Those will be from Al Rolla to Ajman City Centre and Industrial area,” Al Blushi said.

Al Blushi then said that the two taxi lines running from Intersection No. 7 to Al Sagah Industrial area and from Al Rolla to National Roundabout were replaced with general public buses.

“The two destinations cancelled are not so crowded as National Roundabout, and we also want to encourage public transport,” he said.

Al Blushi told Khaleej Times that the 100 more taxis to be in service by July next will increase the Sharjah Taxi fleet to 500.

“That big fleet will cover all areas of the emirate, and commuters waiting long will be history,” he said.

The Public Transport Agency (PTA) with Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai, in 2008, launched two transport sharing services in 2008.

“RTA has been the first in the Middle East to introduce the Sharekni Carpooling and ‘Awseln (Transporting RTA Staff) initiatives,” CEO of PTA of RTA Essa Abdul Rahman Al Dossari told Khaleej Times.

“Such initiatives help overcome traffic congestion and reduce the number of cars on the roads,” he said.

Grocer Nufal Mohyeldeen, Indian, said, “We need more taxis to cover all areas of the emirate. This will help us visit our relatives in Dubai,” he said.

Salesman Mohammed Zahir, Pakistani, said the move will not only benefit passengers but also drivers who will get higher commission.

“This is a win-win situation for all parties involved. We can go now to Dubai and meet our friends more often at affordable prices,” he said.

Barber Abdul Raof Ahmed, Pakistani, said, “It will even help curb down the phenomenon of illegal taxis, which passengers resort to due to the high tariff of meter taxis,” he said.

ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com

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