Dubai cracks down on illegal taxi operators
RTA, DUBAI POLICE JOIN FORCES TO CURB PRACTICE AT AIRPORT, JEBEL ALI
At least 225 vehicles have been impounded as part of a crackdown launched by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to curb illegal passenger transport services.
Illegal transport operators carrying passengers or goods in Dubai face up to Dh50,000 in fines for carrying corporate passengers and Dh30,000 for carrying individuals.
Inspections
RTA recently carried out a series of inspections targeting unlicensed passenger transport in collaboration with Dubai Police and airport security. As a result, at least 225 vehicles were seized and hundreds of fines issued to violators.
The most popular areas for illegal transport are airports where unlicensed operators target incoming passengers offering much lower fares. At least 90 vehicles were impounded at the terminals 1, 2 and 3 of Dubai airport during the inspections.
Similarly, RTA impounded 49 vehicles around Jebel Ali area which is also famous for illegal passenger transport as illegal taxi operators offer cheaper rides to low income workers in these areas.
‘Passenger smuggling’
Saeed Al Balooshi, Director of Passenger Transport Activities Monitoring at RTA’s Public Transport Agency, said: “RTA in collaboration with Dubai Police launched an operation against unlicensed passenger transport operators across the emirate to curb ‘passenger smuggling’. The campaign is part of the plan to ensure safety of passengers and discourage illegal transport operators.”
He advised people to refrain from using illegal transport services as they may not be safe. He said the RTA teams conduct regular inspections across Dubai to curb such activities.