Dubai's RTA hikes taxi starting fare from next week

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has approved the modification of taximeter starting rate from  December 1, 2014.

Dr. Yousef Mohammed Al Ali, CEO of RTA Public Transport Agency, said, “The modification of flag-down rates was intended to leverage the service on offer to the public by deploying as many cabs as possible and ensuring that the service reaches out to customers in a timely manner, especially during morning and evening peak hours.

“The new flag-down rate will range from Dh3 to Dh5 for the direct trip from roads during the morning peak hours from 7am to 10am, and during evening peak hours from 4pm to 8pm. The flag-down rate of orders from the booking and despatch centre will also be modified from Dh6 to Dh8 during off-peak hours; while during morning and evening peak hours, the flag-down rate will range from Dh0 to Dh12. This modification is applicable from Saturday to Wednesday, while peak hours start from 4pm to 12 midnight on Thursdays and Fridays,” said Al Ali.

“The decision applies to the Dubai taxi vehicles and taxis operated by other franchise companies under the umbrella of the RTA. The upgrade of taxi meters operating in Dubai will be completed within three weeks starting from December 1,” he added.