| Kippreport.com

Business of…Public Transport

April 12, 2011 4:55 by kippreport

While taxicabs are a common sight in most areas of the world, many people are not aware that most of these are operated by independent businessmen or subcontracted drivers. With high fuel prices, traffic congestion and parking limitations in most major metropolitan areas, a taxicab business can take advantage of a growing need for public transportation.
About 10-15 years ago, a cab ride in Dubai was mostly an enjoyable experience for Kipp. The trip usually came with friendly, easy conversation—loads of chatter about families back home and the nice weather. These days, however, it almost seems that one has to be mentally and psychologically prepared to duke it out with the cabbie—whether it’s for getting change for your fare or the travel distance at which you want to go.

Regardless of the experience over time, it’s undeniable that taxis will forever be a fixture in Dubai’s transport landscape.

With five taxi franchise companies in Dubai right now (Dubai Taxi, Arabia Taxi, National Taxi, Cars Taxi and Metro Taxi), there’s been a lot of regulation slowly being put into place. This includes the minimum 10AED fare around Dubai and the minimum 20AED fare to Sharjah.

Early this year, taxi tariff in Dubai was hiked by 11 fils per kilometre. According to CEO of Public Transport Agency Eisa Abdul-Rahman Al Dosari, “the increase is not intended to generate more profit for RTA or the five franchise companies operating in Dubai but to offset the rising fuel prices.” The last tariff increase made was in 2005.

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Tags: bicycle, buses, community, etihad railway, metro, public, public transportation, superbus, taxi, water