Why you can't pre-book a Dubai cab for NYE

For those commuters who like to be sure of their transportation on New Year’s Eve, booking a taxi in advance is not an option, said the Road and Transport Authority (RTA).

With only one day to go to organise the best way to celebrate the festive hours of New Year’s Eve 2013, residents today are in frenzy making sure that nothing can spoil their night.

But there is little one can do to avoid the anticipated traffic chaos, it seems.

Nakita Chelsea, an American resident of Dubai is gearing up for a party with friends at Atlantis, where mega event Sandance is set attract thousands of people.  As entry to the Palm Jumeirah will be denied to all vehicles including cardholders', taxis cabs and buses from 10pm, she will have to make use of the dedicated bus service departing from the American Univeristy of Dubai.

“I was planning to book a taxi in advance to reach this location, but it seems this is not possible,” she said.

Booking a taxi in advance is not an option during special events such as New Year’s Eve, confirmed Youssef al Ali, CEO of the Public Transport Agencgy (PTA) of the RTA. “Due to expected road diversions and traffic congestion we will not be able to guarantee a taxi on advanced booking.”

When contacting the Booking and Dispatch Center, the customer is informed that the service is not available from 5 PM onwards.

Booking a taxi on the night itself is possible. “You can call the center at 7 PM tomorrow and book a taxi,” said the representative. However, this is not recommended.

“We recommend people to use public transportation that evening,” said Al Ali. “There are many complications on the road, and traveling by road is just not recommended. On the contrary, there is a metro and plenty of buses serving the event areas.”

When opting for a taxi, residents have better chances picking up a taxi on the road, as plenty of taxis have been made available at the main events, taking place in Downtown Dubai and Palm Jumeirah. In the Burj area, taxi cabs are expected to lift 120,400 passengers in 69,000 trips from and to the event’s venue, while another 5,200 passengers are expected to be served in 3,000 trips around Palm Jumeirah.

Moreover, parking lots have been designated for taxi cabs at both locations and 55 limousine companies have been invited to offer service to the public during the events.

“I tried booking a taxi with several companies today,” said Joseph Baiye, a Nigerian resident living in Dubai. “Most of the companies do not offer advanced bookings, and if they were, all taxis were already booked for tomorrow night.”

Nakita, who has decided to give up planning and bear with the possibly long waiting time for a taxi, said: “It is frustrating. We have all been advised to arrive at the location early to avoid traffic chaos, but it seems that we cannot make our plans early enough. Those who do plan their night should be able to enjoy the benefits of doing so.”

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