Abu Dhabi celebrates the launching of its new taxi fleet

Over 300 of the sleek new silver taxis will commence operation today in Abu Dhabi, with another 800 on the Capital's streets, Al Ain city and western region by the year end. By end 2008 the majority of total new fleet is expected to be launched and will reach close to 7,000 vehicles.

Speaking at the official launch event at the Emirates Palace, H.E Khaled Saleh
Al Rashedi, General Manager of Trans AD, quoted: "It is only right that Abu Dhabi, as a dynamically-developing global hotspot, should have a taxi fleet to match. The new fleet represents high standards in passenger comfort, safety and style, and we are confident that they will be immediately popular with both residents and visitors."

The minimum fare will be raised from current flag open Dhs2.00 to 2.6 for standard cars, and Dhs3.0 for premium cars (which will be clearly marked). The fare per additional kilometer will be charged at Dhs0.65 for standard and 0.75 for premium class which continues to represent excellent value for money.

H.E Al Rashedi also revealed details of the new taxi scheme: "Today is the result of a lengthy consultation process with key government stakeholders, operating franchisees, license holders and the public. The new fleet will be run by a selection of carefully chosen private franchisees, which will encourage high standards and give customers more choice. We are communicating with existing national taxi license owners to educate what this means for them and what financial compensation they are going to receive."

The companies which successfully applied to run a taxi franchise operation are: Tawasul Transport; Arabia Taxi; Cars Taxi; Emirates Taxi; National Taxi; Q-Link Transport, and Al Ghazal Transport;. They will be regulated by the Centre for Regulation of Transport by Hire Cars, which today also announced its name change to Trans AD and revealed its new corporate logo.

By the end of 2008, Trans AD will replace the majority of the existing public taxis from operation. The license owners will be compensated on a monthly basis according to a scientifically endorsed rate. License cancellation will only be applicable if the taxi license holder has registered his vehicle in operation for more than five years.

Taxi drivers also benefit from the new scheme. All taxi drivers will now be registered as private company employees, with an agreed optimum wage and additional benefits. In order to qualify under the new scheme, drivers are required to hold a valid taxi driver permit upon successful completion of certification process conducted by Emirates Driving Company who has been appointed by Trans AD.

To mark this historic event, a convoy of the new fleet paraded the city's street yesterday to showcase the Emirate's new icon. The new taxis will also be on display at major shopping malls in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain cities in the coming week to give the public an opportunity to take a closer look at the cars themselves and its new special features.