One of the best
government ser-
vice-based apps.
Great design, and we
are looking forward
to see a solution to
address the number
of taxis problem.
The app is a posi-
tive step into smart
transition
shortage of taxis in Dubai, which are not
enough to meet the demand through tradi-
tional current means. With the addition of
a new, easy, fast and modern means such
as smart apps, this problem will escalate;
therefore, solution must be found quickly
to address this problem.
Adel Shakiri, Directors of RTA’s Transport
Systems Department said that the app
was downloaded 25,000 times one month
after it was launched, which shows that
the study conducted by RTA met the ex-
pectations and needs of the public.
He said the app was rated 4 out of 5 on
Android and iOS app stores.
He noted that RTA is continuously work-
ing to develop taxi services in particular
to meet the needs of the public, residents
and tourists. He indicated that there are
currently about 9,000 taxis in Dubai and
they are working on increasing that num-
ber.
He continued saying that during the last
year, these taxis made 100 million trips
inside and outside Dubai and transported
175 million passengers. In the first six
months of this year, there was an increase
of 6% in that rate in comparison to last
year.
Shakiri indicated that the new app is a
step in a comprehensive plan to fully
transform taxi services in Dubai into a
smart concept, which is expected to hap-
pen by the end of 2015. He explained that
as part of this plan, RTA has already com-
pleted electronic control of cars through
satellites and closed electronic networks.
Car routes, locations and speed are iden-
tified as well as any violations committed
by drivers.
He admitted that in its first days after
launch, the app caused chaos in the work
progress of the main service centre as a
large number of users, upon registering in
the app, order a taxi without realizing that.
Therefore, a five-minute period was given
to customers to allow them to cancel the
reservation order to avoid any unintended
bookings.
He continued saying that over the coming
period, a 10 dirham fine will apply to cus-
tomers who order a taxi through the app
and do not fulfil the order or cancel it.
Fadi Hanna
Mohammed Aziz
Nahed Hammoud
Reportage
