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The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is starting implementation of the Resolution of the Executive Council in Dubai No. (6)/2016 organizing passengers’ transportation in Dubai. The Resolution has been introduced as part of a plan to revamp the transportation sector in the Emirate, and organize the activity of transporting passengers in taxis and limousines in a further effort to curb illegal carpooling.
“The Resolution has clearly defined the roles & responsibilities of the Agency in the implementation thereof. This covers processing requests related to issuing permits, specifying the number of vehicles that the entity is allowed to operate, signing franchise agreements to provide passenger transportation services via taxicabs or limousines, and assessing the efficiency of the service in terms of safety and quality,” said Abdulla Yousef Al Ali, CEO of RTA’s Public Transport Agency.
“The Resolution authorizes the Agency to prepare and endorse technical & safety standards required to operate taxis and limousines; identify the requirements of ensuring easy access of the disabled to these vehicles, and monitor the adherence of operators to the provisions of permits and franchise agreements made by the Agency with these entities. The Resolution also provides for setting up database related to taxi and limousine transportation services, and compiling specialized studies for upgrading this service in the Emirate of Dubai; in addition to organizing training courses for qualifying taxi drivers and chauffeurs, and issuing permits for practicing this activity in Dubai.
“The Resolution specifies the administrative penalties related to the illegal practice of transporting passengers by taxis or limousines in the Emirate. It prohibits practicing the activity before obtaining the permit required from the RTA’s Public Transport Agency in Dubai, and clearing the approved training courses stipulated in this regard.
“The Resolution prohibits transporting passengers on vehicles not licensed for this purpose within the Emirate or from Dubai to any other Emirate. It also prohibits providing passenger transport service through phone calls, online, smart apps or any other way before seeking approval from the Public Transport Agency. The Resolution prohibits promoting taxi services on unlicensed vehicles or announcing the offering of this service by hailing individuals or any other means. It also prohibits transporting passengers on taxicabs without switching on the meter at the start of each trip.
The Resolution also prohibits operating a taxi without installing a taximeter, or manipulating the taximeter in a bid to modify the fare fixed by the Agency, and operating a deluxe vehicle as taxi, or vice-versa, without fulfilling the requirements set by RTA, especially safety stipulations.
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