New Sharjah taxis do not exceed 120kmph

Sharjah Taxi will replace up to half of its current fleet with upgraded models of its cars, the Sharjah Road and Transport Authority (SRTA) has said.

A total number of 767 new vehicles will be launched to replace the older versions of the taxi fleet at a cost of Dh42,750,000.

The new model will have improved safety features, such as speed stabiliser set at a maximum speed of 120kmph and an exterior and interior design that is conform the highest technical specifications and safety requirements.

A total of 548 vehicles will be launched this year while the remaining number will be added next year.

Of these, 70 of the new models will be allocate to serve the east coast.

Legislation dictates that vehicles of the taxi fleet are replaced every four years, no matter what the state of the vehicle is at that point, explained Abdul Aziz Mohammed Al Jarwan, Director of the SRTA.

“Our role is not limited to meeting the growing demand for taxi services in the emirate, but also includes providing the highest standards of comfort and safety of the passengers and the driver.

“Public confidence in our services is a strong motivation to work towards establishing this.”

The fleet of Sharjah Taxi currently counts 1,540 taxis while the total number of taxis operating in Sharjah adds up to 5,300, distributed by franchise companies Emirates, Union, and City Taxi.

The fleet is continuously upgraded meeting the growing demand of taxi travel in the emirate, which includes Kalba, Khor Fakkan, Dibba Al Hisn and al Dhaid region, explained Abdul Aziz Mohammed Al Jarwan, Director of the SRTA.

Last year a total of 16.2 million passengers were lifted by taxis, which is more than the 11.8 million passengers transported by bus.

The fleet came into existence in 2007 with a mere 270 vehicles.

It was increased to 720 vehicles in 2012 and between 2012 and 2014 another 520 vehicles were added.

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