The storm had already claimed the lives of at least two people in China's Hainan and 16 people in the Philippines
“All cabbies go through a 14-day training course before starting duty to practically know about the set rules, safe driving, looking presentable, dealing with the passengers, using cab meters, and advance booking devices.”
Abdullah said Sharjah Transport receives lots of suggestions, inquiries and complaints from the public at the call centre: (600545455). “All these are professionally sorted out and handled within 48 hours.”
The errant driver is then summoned to the corporation for investigation, and a befitting penalty is imposed if the violation is proved: “The erring driver is first suspended and rehabilitated, and termination is enforced in case of exceeding 24 black points,” he said.
“We only received 52 complaints about the inappropriate cab perfume used last year, while 41 others complained about ill-use of the horn and radio in 2012,” he added.
Denying unfair treatment, Abdullah said Sharjah Transport has adopted a number of incentive programmes and procedures to enhance and encourage drivers’ positive conduct and performance. “This is very clear in the “Shukran or Thank You” scheme whereby Dh150,000 is distributed among the excellent drivers every year.” Elaborating, Abdullah said all cabbies are only paid commission which ranges from Dh4,000 to Dh6,000 according to their performance.
“The taxi drivers who complain about their financial status are not well aware of the right locations known for crowded passengers whereas some others are new and go through training for better performance and income.”
Abdullah warned that fines are slapped on reckless drivers, particularly those who ignore traffic rules, block the road, or refuse to load passengers “unless they are waiting at dangerous areas, a roundabout, traffic signal or u-turn for instance”.
Though a special lane has been specified for cabs at the Mega Mall Centre, the place is crowded during weekends and holidays, and that adds more pressure and demand on taxis. “Sharjah Transport is working on the issue and will provide more cabs to ease the public suffering.”
The storm had already claimed the lives of at least two people in China's Hainan and 16 people in the Philippines
Dubai Police have asked drivers to be extra cautious
The former all-rounder has returned to cricket during the past year after a horrific car crash at the end of 2022
Dubai Police have asked drivers to be extra cautious
The country has set a new Guinness World Record by creating the largest falcon hood, beating the previous record of 1.65 metres
Hamas' health ministry said that 94,616 people have been wounded since the conflict began on October 7
In most Islamic countries, including the Gulf countries, the Prophet's birthday is observed on 12 Rabi’ Al-Awwal 1444
Traffic will be diverted to the opposite side during this period