PHOTO
01 April 2016
Muscat - Lack of clarity prevails on the implementation of meter taxis at Muscat International Airport, which if activated would be the first of its kind in Oman.
Oman Airports Management Company (OAMC) issued a statement saying that the system has come into force at the airport on Friday in cooperation with Muscat Municipality Council.
But a registered airport taxi operator told the Observer that no date has been given for its implementation and we are prepared to work on the system anytime.
Salem bin Nasser al Ma`mari, representing Ministry of Tourism at Muscat Municipality Council, said the council has been strongly arguing in its favour and will welcome its implementation.
"There has been a long-standing dispute between the registered and non-registered taxi drivers at the airport, which delayed the execution since it was first announced a few year ago. I have not received any official information, but assume that they have settled all their disputes through talks and welcome this decision."
The taxi operator said our problems with non-registered or orange/white taxis still continue despite some assurances that it will be solved soon. "We are in favour of the system and ready to operate anytime, but not before problems are addressed by the company."
He said there are still some registered taxis, in which meters have been not installed.
The Observer had reported earlier that the metered service was introduced for a limited period earlier this year, but discontinued.
According to sources, as per the 'meter', a passenger travelling to Ruwi-Darsait-Muttrah had to shell out RO 12.4 under normal traffic conditions. Under the current fixed fare system, airport taxis charge RO 10 for the same distance. A trip to Al Khuwair would cost RO 9.2 against the current fixed rate of RO 8. Minimum fares start at RO 6.
Muscat - Lack of clarity prevails on the implementation of meter taxis at Muscat International Airport, which if activated would be the first of its kind in Oman.
Oman Airports Management Company (OAMC) issued a statement saying that the system has come into force at the airport on Friday in cooperation with Muscat Municipality Council.
But a registered airport taxi operator told the Observer that no date has been given for its implementation and we are prepared to work on the system anytime.
Salem bin Nasser al Ma`mari, representing Ministry of Tourism at Muscat Municipality Council, said the council has been strongly arguing in its favour and will welcome its implementation.
"There has been a long-standing dispute between the registered and non-registered taxi drivers at the airport, which delayed the execution since it was first announced a few year ago. I have not received any official information, but assume that they have settled all their disputes through talks and welcome this decision."
The taxi operator said our problems with non-registered or orange/white taxis still continue despite some assurances that it will be solved soon. "We are in favour of the system and ready to operate anytime, but not before problems are addressed by the company."
He said there are still some registered taxis, in which meters have been not installed.
The Observer had reported earlier that the metered service was introduced for a limited period earlier this year, but discontinued.
According to sources, as per the 'meter', a passenger travelling to Ruwi-Darsait-Muttrah had to shell out RO 12.4 under normal traffic conditions. Under the current fixed fare system, airport taxis charge RO 10 for the same distance. A trip to Al Khuwair would cost RO 9.2 against the current fixed rate of RO 8. Minimum fares start at RO 6.
© Oman Daily Observer 2016
