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Tempers rise as Sharjah taxi meters tick faster

Ignorance may not be bliss as taxi commuters in Sharjah have come to realise. Hiked meter charges are leading to frayed tempers and haggling between drivers and passengers.

The revised fares came into effect from October 1, with Dh10 set as the minimum fare. The 4,860 cabs in Sharjah city — including Sharjah Transport’s 457 vehicles start counting Dh1 for every 620 metres of a trip. The base fare, however, remains unchanged at Dh3 for day trips and Dh4 at night.

Pakistani expatriate Mohammed Ashfaq, said he did not know about the change in rates until he boarded a taxi. “The Dh4 fare I used to pay for a ride to work now costs me Dh20; this is not acceptable at all.”

“I cannot afford taxi rides anymore. I will take the public bus from now on,” said another resident from Al Rolla area.

Aziz, a Moroccan, said the new rates were unfair. “Passengers in Dubai have a variety of options, including the metro, ferry, and numerous buses which are available everywhere, but Sharjah doesn’t. Such a hike does not benefit passengers, as claimed. It is only good for franchise companies and has nothing to do with the fuel price hike.”

Khaleej Times had earlier quoted Director General of Sharjah Transport Abdullah Al Zari as saying that the new tariff was in response to the pressing demand from the franchise companies because of the recent fuel price hike.

Samir, an Indian expat, said heated arguments have become a daily scene since the new fare came into existence. “Some commuters get off the taxi immediately they come to know of the rule. I myself got off a taxi in the Al Khan area after the cabbie told me about the minimum fare,” he said.

Hisham, Egyptian, said he saw a scuffle on Monday between a cabbie and a commuter over because of the minimum fare. “Both parties got into a fight after the commuter paid the tariff without the extra Dh10 and left the taxi.”

A driver from Union Taxi said the situation had become worse for cabbies in Sharjah following the new rule. “We are losing customers, and taxis have become less preferable in favour of the cheaper bus fare.”

Another driver from Advantage Taxi said cabbies were under pressure to meet their daily targets. “Taxi drivers face suspension and even termination if they fail to collect at least Dh275 per day,” he said.

Omar Mubarak, an Emirati, said cabs would be completely off limits for the poor and low income people. “It can never be a matter of fuel hike. How can an employee with a salary of Dh600 take a taxi? Taxi rides have become a dream for many people now.”

Another Emirati did not who wish to be identified, said many people now walked to work and back under the sun, while others ride bikes as they could afford the escalating fare. “I had to pay Dh20 for a taxi ride from Al Nabaa to Um Khanur, and another Dh20 for the return journey,” he said.

Email: ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com