Learning lessons from illegal taxis

As the capital swells, residents require more transport options to fit their budget and lives

Customers take up an offer from illegal taxi operators who offer taxi services to Dubai, Al Ain or anywhere in the city or across the emirates. Delores Johnson / The National

Authorities in Abu Dhabi could soon impose heavier fines on illegal taxis. Drivers operating outside of the law face fines of between Dh5,000 and Dh10,000 or a 30-day jail term or both but proposed legal amendments will increase the maximum fines to as high as Dh30,000, followed by deportation.

High fines are a prudent way to curb this dangerous and illegal phenomenon on the capital’s roads. Many of these illegal taxis are uninsured and lack adequate seats belts and other safety provisions. They are not only a danger to the driver and passengers but also to other motorists and pedestrians.

Penalties alone, however, won’t solve the problem. Rather, officials must understand why many people continue to use illegal taxis despite the risks. Licenced forms of transport need to provide a similar mix of speed and affordability that has led to the prevalence of illegal taxis.

There is clearly a growing demand for cheaper transport. Abu Dhabi’s transport options need to evolve to meet this challenge, and taking cues from the appeal of illegal taxis is one way it can do that. The demand of these taxis can show us gaps in the current public transport provision.

For some residents, a bus takes too long and an official taxi is beyond their budget. A trip to Mussaffah from downtown Abu Dhabi, for example, can cost Dh50. While the bus is much cheaper – albeit taking a lot longer – many people prefer an option that is a mix of both. Minibuses that make less frequent stops and carry fewer passengers are an obvious solution.

The demand is clear. All one has to do is look at the number of illegal taxis that have responded to residents’ demands. A sensible middle option between fast and expensive transport and cheap and slow will finally root out the problem of illegal taxis and responding to people’s transportation needs, while also ensuring they reach their destinations safely.

Not only will this make all of us safer on the roads but it will also help Abu Dhabi grow into a more integrated urban metropolis.