Coronavirus: Dubai taxis install isolators to protect passengers​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ and drivers

Passengers in the emirate can use taxis for essential trips during sterilisation drive

Dubai Taxi Corporation has begun installing transparent plastic protection screens in its vehicles to ensure a full separation between drivers and passengers. Courtesy - Dubai Government Media Office

The Dubai Taxi Corporation has begun installing transparent protection screens in its fleet to ensure full separation between drivers and passengers to protect them against transmission of Covid-19.

The vehicles already undergo daily sanitisation and disinfection after each use, and hand sanitiser dispensers are always available in taxis.

Drivers wear masks and gloves, and follow strict guidelines about opening and closing doors to minimise coronavirus infections.

Installing the plastic isolators is another initiative by the Roads and Transport Authority to protect the health of the community.

RAK Transportation Authority introduced similar measures for their taxi fleet.

Plastic isolators have been installed between the driver and passengers, who are not allowed to sit in the front seat anymore.

Drivers have also been given masks, gloves and hand sanitisers and their cabs are sanitised daily.

Taxis in Dubai have slashed their fares for passengers on hospital trips.

Last week, Hala, Dubai Taxi’s cab booking service and RTA announced discounted fares to select hospitals until April 18.

Passengers will get a discount of 20 per cent per ride booked on the Careem app, to over 43 select hospitals and healthcare facilities. The maximum discount per ride is Dh10.

The reduced fare will be valid on Hala (Dubai Taxi) and Hala Van Taxi, for a maximum of 10 trips per user.

Hala taxis will be available only to passengers who have to leave home on emergency work like buying food, essential supplies or making trips to the hospital and commuting to work in one of the vital sectors approved by the government.

The UAE reported 277 new cases of the virus on Monday, bringing the total confirmed number of patients in the country to 2,076.

Twenty three more patients have recovered, but the UAE reported its 11th death from Covid-19.