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Drop in illegal taxi service cases

The corporation attributed the decline to the increase in the bus and taxi fleets, with now 5,614 cabs and 224 buses operating across the emirate. The introduction of bus stops in crowded areas and deployment of more patrols and controllers are also reasons for the drop.

“As many as 1,081 motorists were issued fine tickets for offering a lift to passengers in violation of the law in the first six months of the year as against 1,900 in the corresponding period in 2011 and 1,294 in 2010,” said Mohamed Karam, Head of Violations and Service Quality Control Department.

Most of the motorists nabbed were offering a lift in their private vehicles, while some transport companies were illegally transporting passengers without being licensed by the corporation.

“If a driver transporting passengers illegally fails to stop when ordered by any of the Sharjah Transport inspectors, a fine of Dh10,000 will be imposed on him, even if it is his first violation,” Karam warned, adding that only Dh5,000 is collected if the driver came to the corporation and presented his licence.

“While such illegal transportation is not limited to certain nationalities, a fine of Dh1,000 is also slapped on the driver if he forgets or fails to present his driving licence in person at the corporation,” he said.

Most Sharjah Transport inspectors are deployed in areas where illegal taxi operators pick passengers. “Topping the list of such areas are Al Rumaitha area opposite the new Sharjah Traffic Department, Al Qabael Shopping Centre, National Paints Roundabout, and Al Wihda Road,” Karam said.

Karam said the violation is recorded not only against private cars but also all unlicensed buses and minibuses. “Our quality controllers check the bus permit, if available, and make sure that the names of the passengers on it tally with those listed in the official permit issued by the corporation.”

As taxi meters have been recalibrated several times to tick faster and fare has risen, more people — particularly low-income ones — opt for cheaper illegal taxis irrespective of safety hazards. The minimum cab fare within the city is Dh10, and the meter starts at Dh20 for a Sharjah-Dubai trip.

If a motorist, as per a rule enforced since May 2009, offers lift to any passenger in his vehicle, without being licensed, a fine of Dh5,000 will be imposed. “Repeating the violation draws a double fine of Dh10,000 and a stricter legal action is taken on repeating it the third time.”

Karam urged the public to refrain from taking illegal taxis which pose a big risk to their safety. “In case of an accident, the driver and passengers will not be able to claim insurance money since the car is not licensed for public transportation,” he added.

ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com