RTA Taxi-Sharing Trial Services: A new service that is ongoing since September, the pilot project is an-sidebar initiative by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) which incorporates a taxi-sharing service between Ibn Battuta Centre in Dubai and Al Wahda Centre in Abu Dhabi and has a planned duration of six months. The intended service is to offer a quick and cheap transport solution for visitors without compromising environmental conditions of the two cities.
“Ibn Battuta Centre in Dubai and Al Wahda Centre in Abu Dhabi were chosen based on a study of possible routes for the pick-up and drop-off hub of the shared taxi service between the two emirates,” added Adel Shakri, Director of Planning and Business Development at RTA’s Public Transport Agency. “It’s a measure that seeks to cut on the expenses that people pay for transport, especially those using the bus to move between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. In addition, both the site and the existing structure are easily accessible from public transportation and parking lots.
This is categorized taxi-sharing program and where passenger can share up to 4 per taxi whereby fares reduce with increase in number of passengers per taxi. For instance with four passengers the cost is AED66 per head and therefore it is three quarters cheaper than hiring a taxi alone for trip between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The price when two passengers share is AED 132 each, and the price for three passengers is AED 88 each.
Also Read: 5 Best Curry Spots in Jumeirah Lake Towers You Need to Try
Its objective also includes the reduction of traffic congestion, promotion of sustainable environment by eliminating excessive use of carbon, non-licensed transport services. To enhance security, RTA’s taxis carry working cameras with connection to the Operations Control Centre and performance tracking systems including cameras for their drivers, thereby providing a safer travel to the passengers. In case of positive results then the RTA may look at extending the shared taxi service to other routes and other parts of the UAE once the pilot project is complete.