Women only taxis in Sharjah

posted on 07/02/2012: 65 views

The Sharjah Transport has begun operation of women-only taxis on a trial basis in the emirate.

"We have started with eight cabs — four saloon vehicles and four others for families with a capacity to commute seven passengers at a time,” said Mohammed Al Buraimi, Manager of Cab Booking Dispatch System. He added that the number of the vehicles will be increased as per demand.The new service will be available only through advance booking system. A passenger needs to call 600545455 to get access to the service anywhere and anytime.

The service is basically aimed to transport female students to their universities, women to the hospital or any other destination, as well as families to any place within or outside the emirate.

The service follows a thorough study to the needs of the public and in response to the pressing demand on the advance booking service which was launched in July 2011. "The Call Centre has received 60,600 calls since the initiation of service, which means an average of 7,000 to 8,000 calls every month.

"We have attended to some 30,000 of these calls, representing 50 per cent of the total amount, as other calls were irrelevant —either general inquiries, reports on lost items, complaints or suggestions,” he added.

Al Buraimi then said the service has attracted all segments of the society, disregard of their nationalities. "While the advance booking is much requested by both Arab and foreign residents, most of the calls are received during weekends and holidays.”

The Sharjah Transport is operating a fleet of 5,614 taxis, along with 224 public buses. "Passengers across the city may avail the advance booking service, which is connected to the General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) and Global Positioning System (GPS) against Dh5.”

However, a rise has been reported in the advance bookings after midnight. "We are now attending to nearly 40 to 50 reservations after midnight on a daily basis; representing a hike of 34 per cent,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Sharjah Transport, as part of its social responsibility, has instructed the four franchise cab firms operative in the emirate, to specify each five of their vehicles for the applicants and visitors of the Department of Social Services at the Rahmaniya area.

The new service will only be available for three days in a row; the days which have been specified for distributing maintenance and financial aids to pre-listed beneficiaries.

"This service targets old people, divorcees, widows, orphans as well as the people with low and no income,” he said, noting that the service would be available on the first three days of every month for the benefit and convenience of the public. – Khaleej Times

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