RAK Transport Authority launches new taxi fleet

The function also witnessed awarding of taxi franchises to two private companies to operate taxi services in the emirate.

The franchise agreements were signed by Colonel Nasser Muradad, Chairman of RAK Transport Authority, and Sheikh Sultan bin Majid Al Qasimi, representing Al Arabiya Taxi, and Ahmed Abdullah Al Ghurair, Board Member of Cars Taxi Group.

Speaking at the function, Nasser Muradad said that the launch of the new taxi fleet marks the first step towards the creation of a world- class public transport system in the emirate.

"The remarkable economic and social development currently underway in Ras Al Khaimah calls for creation of excellent public transport facilities which we hope will partly be met by the modern taxi fleet,"

he added.

As many as 1600 new taxis would be launched in the emirate by the three operators within one year. RAKTA, the government agency responsible for regulating public transport in the emirate, would withdraw all the 1300 taxis currently operating in the emirate in a phased manner, before 31 December, 2009.

Abdulla Mohammed Al Awadi, Director General of RAK Transport Authority, said that Al Hamra Taxi, owned by RAKTA, would have 600 taxis on the roads within one year. The other two private operators, Al Arabiya Taxi and Cars Taxi, will introduce 500 taxis each to reach the target of having 1600 new taxis on the road.

He said that 25 new vehicles, mainly Toyota Camry and Chevrolet six- seater, have been pressed into service today to mark the launch of Al Hamra Taxi which would have 60 taxis on RAK roads in one week. "We will be adding 50- 60 taxis every month till we reach our target numbers. The other two operators would start services in May 2008," he said.

Abdulla Al Awadi said that the new taxi service will only have a marginal increase in the fare structure. The new taxis would have their starting fare at Dhs2.50 and running charge of 75 fils per kilometre. The existing taxis have a starting fare of Dhs2 with each additional kilometre charged at 50 fils. "The increase will be less than 25% and it will be acceptable for the passenger community," he added.

The withdrawal of the old taxis would be done on the basis of the expiry of their licenses as well as expiry of the 4-year vehicle permit. The RAK TA has drawn up a schedule to replace all old taxis before 31 December, 2009.

He said that the owners of existing taxis would be compensated by providing a monthly payment of Dhs500 for their entire life and would be made available to their families upon the death of the owner. Abdulla Al Awadi said that drivers of the existing taxis would be made to undergo a test and would be recruited by the operators if they meet the criteria.

He said that the rural areas of the emirate were not adequately serviced by the existing taxis. "The new fleet would have five percent of their vehicles allocated to operate in rural areas. Also we have allocated 100 vehicles to operate at the RAK International Airport," he said and added that 10 percent of the fleet will be `pink taxis' which would be lady- driven and reserved for women.

Outlining the future plans of the Authority, Abdullah Al Awadi said that RAKTA plans to launch bus services connecting various places in Ras Al Khaimah by the end of this year, using mini buses. " We are also planning to start inter- emirates bus service connecting Ras Al Khaimah and other emirates and hope to sign a MoU with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Dubai within three months and expect to commence bus services in next six months," he added.

The new taxi fleet would have an advance control and monitoring system using GPS and GPRS technology. The RAKTA would operate a call centre to receive requests for taxis which would be relayed to the nearest vacant taxi which would pick up the customer.

Sheikh Faisal bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chairman of RAK Financial Department, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chairman of RAK Customs and Ports Department, Sheikh Mohammed bin Kayed Al Qasimi, Vice Chairman of RAK Economic Department, heads of Government Departments and officials were present on the occasion.