Taxi for special needs passengers launched in Sharjah

Sharjah Transport introduced only one cab but more will come, depending on demand from passengers.

SHARJAH // Sharjah Transport has added a new car to its taxi fleet that will cater for disabled and elderly passengers in the emirate.

The car is fitted with a specialist chair lift to allow wheelchair users to board and alight easily and quickly, said Abdullah Al Zarri, the director of Sharjah Transport.

"The taxi can be used by special needs people and elderly people as well," he said. "The driver is trained to use the equipment well and also trained in other basic responsibilities of handling special needs people."

He said the corporation had decided to launch the taxi service after a number of Sharjah residents with special needs approached the company.

"We have started with only one taxi and expect to increase the number according to demand," said Mr Al Zarri.

The taxi's meter starts at Dh3.5, like a normal cab. However the corporation will also charge Dh5 to order the taxi, which raises the minimum fare to Dh15.

Mohammed Abdullah Hussein, the first special needs passenger to use the taxi, said it was comfortable and much needed.

"I am pleased to learn how caring Sharjah Transport has been to us, to think about us and devise for us a transport that gives us comfort," he said.

Passengers can call Sharjah Transport's 24-hours call centre on 600545455.