Abu Dhabi, 12th December, 2012: In line with its strategy to improve taxi transportation in the capital, the Centre for Regulation of Transport by Hire Cars (TransAD) has launched an advertising campaign designed to raise awareness of the facility to book taxis through a call centre, on 600 53 53 53. The theme of the campaign is, 'We're a call away, night and day,' and is intended to inform the public of the convenience of the service and how it works.

The campaign also aims to highlight the importance of the taxi booking system, as other advantages include reducing traffic congestion, raising the level of safety on roads and reducing carbon footprint, amongst other benefits. 

Commenting on the service, Mr Mohamed Hussain Al Hosani, Director of Franchise & Licensing, said, 'The taxi booking system was launched during the inception of silver taxis in the Emirate as part of a plan to introduce best international standards - and to keep the service in line with the overall progress that Abu Dhabi is witnessing. 

The taxi booking system features the latest technology and passengers can get a car within 8 minutes of their request. Another important feature is customers need to talk to a booking agent once (during their first call) to register their pick-up location.  From then on, passengers can book taxis directly through the IVR booking system without the need for a booking agent. Also, the system updates customers via SMS regarding status such as expected taxi arrival time, booking number and taxi and driver details. What's more, an SMS is sent once the taxi arrives at the pick-up point if the customer is not yet already there.

Finally, as part of TransAD's strategic initiative to modernize taxi services in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, all taxis will be installed with a digital roof sign. Currently 30 taxis have them installed as test cases. This innovation will eventually take the service to world-class levels.

The integration of digital roof signs with the taxi meter system in Abu Dhabi silver taxis has enhanced booking services, for example, when a customer books a taxi through the call centre, the booking number is displayed on the digital roof sign. This resolves any confusion that may occur as regards to taxi identification.

Al Hosani concluded his speech by inviting the public, residents and tourists in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi to utilize call centre facilities by dialing 600 53 53 53 for taxi bookings, complaints, lost & found registration and other enquires. 

It is worth mentioning that the Centre for Regulation of Transport by Hire Car in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi has recently announced a reduction of booking fees from AED 5 to AED 3 during the day and AED 4 at night, as well as applying a new tariff, where it costs AED 3.5 from 6am till 10pm and AED 4 late at night.

-Ends-

The Centre for Regulation of Transport by Hire Cars in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi - now known as 'TransAD' - was formed in 2006, as a result of the Decree 19 of 2006 by H.H Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Ruler of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

For more information or inquiries, please contact:
Mohamed Fawaz Hakim
Senior Communications Officer
T: 02 417 3880
Email: mohamed.hakim@transad.ae

© Press Release 2012