Coronavirus: contactless app payment for taxi rides in Abu Dhabi

The app is available on Apple Store and Google Play

No more than two passengers are permitted to travel in an Abu Dhabi taxi at one time. Victor Besa / The National    

Passengers will now be able to make contactless payments for taxi rides in Abu Dhabi during the coronavirus outbreak.

The payments can be made by downloading the Abu Dhabi Taxi app, which is available on Apple Store and Google Play.

Passengers need to create an account and provide credit card details, which are saved for future taxi journeys.

Once the trip is over, passengers can make the payment through the app without any need to interact with the driver.

An Integrated Transport Centre representative said the move was in line with the organisation’s efforts to improve the level of service and minimise human interaction to limit the spread of the virus.

The centre manages public transport in the emirate.

“The online payment feature will greatly benefit tourists by facilitating the payment of taxi fares without the need for carrying cash,” the ITC representative said.

“In light of the current health situation with the risk of coronavirus outbreak, all public means of transport, including taxis, are being sterilised regularly at the beginning and end of each work shift.

“Drivers are provided sterilising products to clean the vehicle after each trip as part of the precautionary measures ITC is undertaking.”

The representative said no more than two passengers were allowed in an Abu Dhabi taxi at a time.

Passengers must also wear face masks and gloves and should be seated only in the back seat.

Plastic insulators to isolate the driver from passengers will remain in place and hand sanitisers will be available for those on board.

The ITC is also considering whether to introduce other means of payment, such as electronic wallets, in the future.