30 August 2012
JEDDAH: The Ministry of Transportation's new regulations for taxis and will come into effect the sixth day of Dhul-Hijjah corresponding to Oct. 22, 2012.
Transport Minister Jabara Al-Seraisry said, "The new guidelines will improve safety for drivers and passengers in all Saudi cities."
Saudi taxi companies must be owned and invested in by Saudis alone and in accordance with the Saudization of the sector, he added.
Taxi companies must meet municipal traffic department standards including the operation of an administrative office, holding a minimum third-party insurance coverage insuring vehicle and driver, and adequate parking.
They must also maintain the minimum number of cars stated on their operating license. The number is based on the size of the city and its population.
An Automated Vehicle Locator (AVL) system to track and direct taxis will be required in each vehicle.
Vehicles will be linked to the Information Center of the Ministry of Transportation and the National Information Center of the Ministry of Interior.
The AVL system will record information such as driving speed, pick-up and drop-off location of passengers and the operating time of the taxi.
Drivers found not operating under the AVL system will be subject to fines of SR 200 for the first violation, SR 400 for multiple violations and possible cancellation of the driving license.
Drivers will also be required to wear uniforms and be physically fit in order to assist passengers with luggage as well as passengers with disabilities.
Taxis will become no-smoking taxis and "No-Smoking" signs must be displayed in each vehicle.
Last month, the Ministry announced taxis were prohibited from cruising the streets for passengers and fines of up to SR 5,000 for violators.
Under the new guidelines, they will be prohibited from randomly picking up passengers from airports, hospitals, shopping malls, business offices and transport facilities such as SAPTCO and railway stations. Passengers will need to call in their request to the taxi office first.
JEDDAH: The Ministry of Transportation's new regulations for taxis and will come into effect the sixth day of Dhul-Hijjah corresponding to Oct. 22, 2012.
Transport Minister Jabara Al-Seraisry said, "The new guidelines will improve safety for drivers and passengers in all Saudi cities."
Saudi taxi companies must be owned and invested in by Saudis alone and in accordance with the Saudization of the sector, he added.
Taxi companies must meet municipal traffic department standards including the operation of an administrative office, holding a minimum third-party insurance coverage insuring vehicle and driver, and adequate parking.
They must also maintain the minimum number of cars stated on their operating license. The number is based on the size of the city and its population.
An Automated Vehicle Locator (AVL) system to track and direct taxis will be required in each vehicle.
Vehicles will be linked to the Information Center of the Ministry of Transportation and the National Information Center of the Ministry of Interior.
The AVL system will record information such as driving speed, pick-up and drop-off location of passengers and the operating time of the taxi.
Drivers found not operating under the AVL system will be subject to fines of SR 200 for the first violation, SR 400 for multiple violations and possible cancellation of the driving license.
Drivers will also be required to wear uniforms and be physically fit in order to assist passengers with luggage as well as passengers with disabilities.
Taxis will become no-smoking taxis and "No-Smoking" signs must be displayed in each vehicle.
Last month, the Ministry announced taxis were prohibited from cruising the streets for passengers and fines of up to SR 5,000 for violators.
Under the new guidelines, they will be prohibited from randomly picking up passengers from airports, hospitals, shopping malls, business offices and transport facilities such as SAPTCO and railway stations. Passengers will need to call in their request to the taxi office first.
© Arab News 2012
