Ajman taxis backdown from Dh10 start fare

Taxi companies in Ajman that were planning to jack up the minimum fare from Dh3 to Dh10 have backtracked from the plan, after a number of drivers and commuters complained about it.

Speaking to Emirates 24|7, sources in the taxi companies said they are not implementing the minimum fare plan for the present, as has been done in Dubai and Sharjah.

“We had a plan to increase the minimum fare from Dh3 to Dh10. After receiving a number of complaints from taxi drivers and customers, it has been decided not to go ahead with the plan for now. Even the Ajman authorities were not keen to allow taxi companies to steeply increase in the minimum fare,” said a source in Arabia Taxi.

There are more than 2,000 private taxis in Ajman.

An Asian driver of an Ajman taxi company said: “Thank God the plan will not be implemented. We had informed our managers that business will definitely come down because the cost-conscious commuters of Ajman will take to alternative modes of transport or even walk small distances.”

“You cannot compare Ajman with Dubai or Sharjah. The area is limited and people living there don’t have that much money. The decision to postpone or cancel the minimum fare hike plan is welcome,” added another cabbie.

Many taxi drivers were worried about the fare hike plan because they were already struggling to meet the monthly sales target. Due to poor business, two taxi operators had earlier closed down in Ajman

Emirates 24|7 had reported earlier that an official source in Cars Taxi had said that the minimum taxi fare in Ajman will be raised to Dh10, the same as in Dubai and Sharjah, from May 1.

Meanwhile, a women-only taxi service called “Mahra Taxi” was launched in Ajman last Thursday.  Eleven taxis driven by women were launched, with plans to raise the figure to 50 in future.

“Initially, Mahra taxis shall be available in public places, markets and shopping centres which draw large crowds of women. Booking facility may be introduced later. The starting fare will be Dh3.50. The female drivers will get a monthly salary of Dh4,000 plus a part of the company’s profits,” said Ajman Transport board member Ahmed Al Foora, as quoted by Emirates News Agency (Wam).


 

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