Dubai crackdown on ‘rude’ taxi drivers: Psyche or sack tactics

Dubai Taxi Corporation (DTC) working hard to improve travel experience for customers

Irate taxi drivers are (in)famous in Dubai. 

Although it isn’t accurate to accuse every driver of indulging in such behaviour, case histories do suggest that a sizeable number are guilty of it. 

The incidents, however, are set to reduce with the Dubai Taxi Corporation (DTC) claiming they are working on improving the travel experience for its customers. 

Once a complaint is lodged, it is treated with utmost importance and adequate action is taken against the erring driver. 

“DTC drivers have to undergo a psychometric test and every case of misconduct is thoroughly investigated,” confirms Mansoor R Al Falasi, Acting CEO of Dubai Taxi Corporation. 

“DTC takes these complaints very seriously and strong disciplinary action is taken against the driver. 

“And, if required some drivers are even terminated from ever working in the UAE.” 

In an initiative to combat such behavioural issues, the DTC also organises religious lectures within the driver training programme. 

“Such initiatives have helped to improve their behaviour and performance. It has recorded a drop in such complaints,” he adds. 

Detailing the handling of each complaint, Falasi elaborates that once a passenger reports a violation by dialling 8009090, he will receive an SMS with the specific case number. 

The case will then be investigated and if the officers require more details they will be contacted. 

The customer will be constantly updated about the progress of the complaint. 

Some of the most common complaints are about abusive language, reckless driving and a lack of cleanliness. 

The DTC claims its recent initiative to start Islamic lessons has significantly reduced the number of complaints. 

“The religious lectures has helped improved the behaviour and performance of the drivers,” adds Falasi. 

“The Holy Quran has a significant impact on the soul and restrains and raises good morals and ethical conduct. This has a positive impact on the drivers.”

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Comments

  • Daisy 25 August 2012 12:28 3 0
    Two nights ago, I hailed a cab from Cars Taxi on Shaikh Zayed. Once I got in, I told the driver nicely to take me somewhere via a new tunnel to avoid traffic. Then he rudely answered: "Get out!" I asked him why and he said: "You want to go to the tunnel, I don't want to go there, so get out!" I can't believe it!!
  • Sham 22 August 2012 19:47 0 0
    I disagree with some comments here. I've spoken to more than one taxi driver and all of them have confirmed that they work 12 hour shifts and not 18. These shifts can also change, so the night shift is a bit lax compared to the day shift. What some people also don't realise is that by driving the way they do, the taxi drivers are actually putting others' lives at stake. I do hope though that they get better working conditions, by all means everybody deserves that.
  • George K 21 August 2012 17:08 5 0
    I found some drivers rude and abusive and violent. I do not think education has anything to do with it because other drivers also are not doctors or lawyers but they are very polite and accommodating.
  • SVJ 21 August 2012 09:57 7 3
    Over the weekend, my brother and his friend took a cab while driving around the Oud Metha road around Wafi. My brother said the taxi driver was driving at 140km/h and ignored the alarm of overspeed that appeared on the screen that displays the bill. Its a shame they dont seem to be bothered about radars in that road? As I believe speed limits there are 80km/h with a grace of 20km/h.
  • Khan 21 August 2012 09:53 13 3
    I strongly agree with Farnush. I don't have a car and travelling through taxi for more than 2 years now. All drivers say they work more than 18 hours a day. With so many working hours one tends to get rude naturally. Give them a break. Twice in a month or some thing like that. Also some passengers don't pay and they have to pay from their pockets. System needs some amendments.
  • Zeeshan 21 August 2012 06:34 16 7
    Has anyone considered that they are underpaid, over-worked and have to deal with equally rude clients?
  • Obaid Ahmed 20 August 2012 11:23 6 4
    It is very laudable step by the concerned authority as tt was long overdue.Thanks
  • Farnush Anwar 20 August 2012 11:12 29 5
    I think its not to do with them being essentially rude but the amount of work the Taxi driver in Dubai do. give them a mandatory day off every week.

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