Bahrain's services sector is set to be boosted by end of 2008

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This is one of the key initiatives of economic development and reform for Bahrain.

In a bid to further develop the economy through innovation and encouraging competition, the Economic Development Board, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Justice and Islamic Affairs, and Bahrain Development Bank spearheaded a project to regulate and develop the taxi industry in the Kingdom.

As a result, the Arabian Cab Company was incorporated to complement and bolster the current taxi services in the Kingdom.

The company will create 830 jobs of which at least 96% will go to Bahrainis.

It will provide innovative solutions to cater to the needs of the passengers, including a 24 hour call center service and strict application of the meter with clearly stated tariffs.

The establishment of the company has paved the way for other companies to open up, meaning that not only will taxis now be a quality service, but eventually a thriving industry in the private sector.

In line with its mission to provide better quality of services to its passengers, Arabian Cab Company has ordered 200 of the widely recognized 'London taxi cabs'.

Produced by LTI, the world's premier manufacturer of purpose-built taxis, the vehicles will be imported by Euro Motors who are the authorized dealers in the Kingdom.

During a press conference at Euro Motor's showroom in Sitra recently, Ausamah Al Absi, Deputy Chief Executive-Special Projects at the EDB illustrated what this meant for Bahrain:
'Establishing the Arabian Cab Company is part of a bigger initiative to improve the quality and standards of service in the taxi industry which will boost the economy through regulation, competition and growth in employment. An efficient and fair taxi service is very important to meet the needs of the people of Bahrain. Furthermore the service is in line with the direction in which the country is heading - in terms of development, professionalism, and efficiency as taxis are the first point of contact for foreign businessmen and tourists in Bahrain. Taxis must provide world class standards of service to their passengers. By operating the purpose built taxi vehicles, the Arabian Cab Company will provide a passenger-friendly service, in line with Bahrain's 'Business Friendly' culture. '

Arabian Cab Company has been established with a capital of BD1.962m and 314 shareholders, consisting entirely of orphans and widows of deceased taxi drivers, and elderly drivers who together own 80% of the company, whilst the remaining 20% is owned by the Bahrain Development Bank.

Shaikh Mohammed bin Essa Al-Khalifa, chief executive of the Bahrain Economic Development Board commented:

'This is an exciting time for the service sector of Bahrain as the introduction of the 200-fleet of world class taxi cars will enhance the reliability and quality of public transportation services in Bahrain. Modernising and liberalising our economy, whilst providing quality employment opportunities for Bahrainis, is key to moving forward in today's society. Ultimately, this initiative will provide a service for the betterment of Bahrainis, its expatriate residents, tourists and visiting professionals within Bahrain's 'Business Friendly' environment; paving the way for other regional and neighbouring countries to follow.'

LTI, a British company that started off under the name Carbodies in 1928, has produced over 130,000 taxi vehicles.

Even though the vehicle retains its distinctive retro look that is known world-wide as a taxi for eight decades, the car has evolved over the decades to become the ideal taxi for both driver and passengers, especially with its latest model, the TX4.

Special features include a 13' LCD screen which will display news and advertisements, facilities to board passengers with special mobility needs, like wheel chair users, the ability to make payments using credit and debit cards and a privacy partition between driver and passengers.

The TX4 can transport up to five passengers and offer more comfort and space than conventional vehicles. The vehicles will be white with the roof painted in the colors of a black and white checkered flag.

Euro Motors will deliver 200 of the 'London taxi cabs' to Arabian Cab Company which are scheduled to hit the streets by mid-December in line with Bahrain's National Day celebrations.