Dubai remains a major tourist and investor attraction. However, the city’s magnetism isn’t just because of its magnificent skyscrapers and shopping avenues. For the ease of residents and visitors who wish to explore the Emirates, the government has ensured an efficient public transportation system. From public buses to water ferries and a plethora of taxi services, the city has it all to provide feasible mobility options for all.
That said, to further enhance the travelling experience, there are some rules in place – both for drivers and passengers. For passengers travelling via taxis in Dubai, it is important to be aware of their rights and responsibilities. We will go through the taxi passenger rights and responsibilities in Dubai to help people get the best out of their travelling experience.
Taxi Passenger Rights and Responsibilities in Dubai
Dubai offers a plethora of mobility options to citizens and people wishing to explore the city. For instance, Dubai Metro, Dubai Water Taxi and Dubai Tram are some of the transportation options available in the city.
While most of these transportation options cover all major spots in the city, many people prefer to use taxi services for travel. For taxi users, it is a viable option to know taxi passenger rights and responsibilities in Dubai.
Taxi Passenger Rights in Dubai
The Road and Transportation Authority (RTA) Dubai in addition to introducing projects like autonomous taxis in Dubai, has formulated a set of rules to ensure only professional drivers are operating within the city. However, if you come across an unfamiliar situation during a ride in a taxi, it is important to know passenger rights.
Knowledge about these rights can help passengers take immediate action during a ride or file a complaint against any driver going against the law. That said, let’s now go through the taxi passenger rights in Dubai that are listed as follows:
NON DISCRIMINATION
As per the guidelines issued by RTA Dubai, no passenger should be discriminated based on race, religion, gender, nationality, disability or any other grounds.
Additionally, all passengers are to be treated with respect and dignity by the driver and or RTA staff during the journey, inspection and customer service.
ROUTE SELECTION
Passengers have the right to specify the route they want to take to reach their destination. However, if a passenger doesn’t specify the route, the driver should take the most direct and practicable path.
COMMUNICATION
Communication is key when hiring any ride-hailing service. There is a compulsory psychometric and linguistic test for drivers in the UAE to be eligible for driving a taxi in the country.
That said, passengers can expect the drivers to understand any directions provided to them in English or Arabic. Moreover, the drivers can speak both of these languages to ensure two-way communication.
TAXIMETER VISIBILITY
It is compulsory to have the taximeter in clear view of the passengers. This way passengers can keep a track of the fare they have to pay.
TRIP DETAILS
Taxi passengers reserve the right to request an electronic or paper bill for their trip. Moreover, it is important to declare the fare charter within the taxi.
ASSISTANCE
Passengers have the right to request taxi drivers for assistance when putting luggage or packages in and out of the vehicle.
SAFETY AND CLEANLINESS
For booking any type of taxi in Dubai, passengers can expect the following:
- The taxi to be tidy and clean
- An achievable safety standard
- Taxi drivers to be well-groomed with a neat appearance
- A courteous driver who adheres to all traffic laws and drives safely
REFUSE RIDE SHARING OR MULTIPLE HIRING
When hiring a taxi service in Dubai, passengers can opt for exclusivity. This usually means drivers cannot sit any other passenger during the trip.
MODE OF PAYMENT
Taxi passengers in Dubai can pay ride fares by cash, credit or debit card, nol card, or through e-payment.
CONFIDENTIALITY
Passengers reserve the right to keep their personal information confidential.
COMPLAINTS AND FEEDBACK
In case any of the aforementioned rights are violated in any way or passengers have any other issue, they can forward the complaints and feedback through different channels. The issues can be raised within 30 days of the incident or travel.
- RTA call centre (24/7 availability) – 800 90 90
- For overseas callers (24/7 availability) – +971 4 605 1414
- RTA email – ask@rta.ae
- RTA website – www.rta.ae
Taxi Passenger Responsibilities in Dubai
It is important to know both the taxi passenger rights and responsibilities in Dubai. Passengers may take necessary actions as per the specified rights, however, they are obligated to follow the responsibilities too.
Let’s now go through the taxi passenger responsibilities in Dubai:
CONVEY THE DESTINATION CLEARLY
When booking any RTA taxi service in Dubai, passengers need to specify their destination. This should be done before setting off for the ride.
TREAT DRIVERS WITH RESPECT
Respect is a two-way street. It is equally important for passengers to treat taxi drivers with the utmost respect.
AVOID POLITICAL CONVERSATIONS
When riding in a taxi in Dubai, avoid all sorts of political or controversial discussions.
DON’T EAT OR SMOKE
Abstain from drinking or smoking in a taxi as it is not permitted.
DON’T ASK FOR GOING ABOVE THE SPEED LIMIT
Some passengers may be in a rush, however, it is not allowed to ask the driver to go above UAE speed limits.
AVOID MAKING STOPS AT PROHIBITED LOCATIONS
It is the responsibility of passengers to avoid asking taxi drivers for making stops at abrupt locations or in prohibited areas.
ALWAYS TAKE THE RECEIPT
Passengers should always ask for the fare receipt at the end of the journey.
RESPECT THE RULES, REGULATIONS AND CULTURE
It’s a moral obligation to avoid giving any disrespectful comments against the country, culture or heritage. Additionally, it is equally important to adhere to the laws and regulations of the country.
FAQS
WHERE CAN I COMPLAIN ABOUT A TAXI DRIVER IN DUBAI?
All complaints regarding taxi drivers in Dubai can be made to RTA. You can file complaints via call, email or through the official RTA website.
HOW DO I COMPLAIN ABOUT RTA TAXI?
You may use the following channels to file a complain about RTA taxi:
- RTA call centre – 800 90 90
- For overseas callers – +971 4 605 1414
- RTA email – ask@rta.ae
- RTA website – www.rta.ae
This brings us to the end of our list of taxi passenger rights and responsibilities in Dubai. The city of gold has a well-structured system to ensure convenience for all. With services like People of Determination Taxi in Dubai among many others, the government has enhanced the transportation system.
The onus lies on drivers and passengers to treat one another with respect and follow the rules at all times. This can ensure a safe and happy riding experience for all. That said, go through the Dubai taxi fares to get an idea about the prices of different services. Additionally, check out these Dubai Taxi FAQs to get answers to all your taxi-related queries.
Whether you reside in the Emirate or are a tourist, renting a car in Dubai can be a viable option to explore the futuristic city.
Moreover, pre-owned vehicles can also be a viable and budget-friendly option for commuting in Dubai. Browse through these used cars for sale in Dubai and select the vehicle best suited to your needs.
Stay tuned to dubizzle’s auto blog to learn more about passenger and driver rights and responsibilities.
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