In recent years, due to the escalating popularity of the UAE, tourism has taken a high rise in the Emirate and thus has led to an increase in the economy. This is fantastic, but as there are more people now, taxi services are looking a little scarce.
Deira, Business Bay, Al Barsha, Al Raffa, and Jumeirah Village Circle are the five regions in Dubai that have registered the highest percentage of taxi demand. This is obviously a problem as taxis are scarce and people have to wait at least 4 minutes in average to get a taxi.
To rectify this situastion, Adel Shakri, Director of the Planning and Business Development Department at RTA’s Public Transport Agency told Arabic daily Emarat Al Youm that five new companies will soon offer ride-hailing services in Dubai.
There is competition now for Uber and Careem as XXRide, WOW, Koi, Wikiride and DTC (Dubai Taxi Corporation) are the five new additions to the Dubai taxi family. They have been licensed to work via online reservation systems.
Most of these services will come up with their own apps soon. Currently only Uber and Careem are offering online booking services but this will change shortly.
Uber Technologies have hiked its UAE fares. In an email to customers, Uber said it would charge as much as 11 percent extra for some trips.
It is established that online bookings help avoid a horde of challenges. This includes long waiting times, lack of clarity on destinations, issues with communication between driver and passenger and so on. So this initiative will definitely bring about a positive impact.
The new companies will offer a range of amenities including carpools, family and women-friendly rides, limousine services and airport cabs.
