Taxi shortage and Passenger Sense!

I think it is time to present the problem of lack of taxis in Abu Dhabi and the lack of sense among road users while waiting for or boarding a taxi.

Most of the schools opened yesterday and people are back from their summer holidays, the scene in Abu Dhabi street is worth watching. At each of the taxi stands, I could see at least 15 to 20 passengers waiting. With no sign of taxis around, it was like a game of musical chairs, where each of the passengers was trying to stand in front of the other, and hoping to hop into the first arriving taxi. The one who was speedier and faster managed to get in, as and when a taxi arrived.

The situation remains the same today also. There are several people waiting on the road. Some may be for more than 15 to 20 minutes. A look at any taxi stops, you will find several men and women on their way to office waiting for taxis and the expressions on their face, reminds of a goalkeeper waiting for a penalty shoot, or a rugby/football player getting ready for a home run.

The question is, where have all the taxis gone in the morning? It is time to introduce more taxis or replace the cancelled taxis with new Taxi Services. Alternatively, it would be helpful if the public transport systems are strengthened, by starting a chain service or a circular service connecting all the major streets of Abu Dhabi (ie, Hamdan street, Khalifa street, Electra street, Salam street, Passport Road, Airport Road etc) in the morning, during lunch hours, and in the evening.

A general awareness campaign should also be initiated to educate or remind the general public who regularly uses taxi service to form a Q while waiting for the taxi. I sincerely hope to see a favorable response and wish to see the vehicle less Abu Dhabi work force going to office with a smile and bring more productivity to their offices and to this beautiful country.

While I admit that the traffic problems of Abu Dhabi when compared to those in Dubai and Sharjah is very minor, this requires immediate attention as it can be solved very easily - 1st by placing a Q system and barriers in the Taxi waiting area and 2nd by introducing a Circular Bus route in the Abu Dhabi with more bus frequencies.

Hope, a small spark of thought I ignited and aided with the wind of Khaleej Times, will spread a wild fire of thoughts and schemes within the planning structure of the relevant authorities and also among the taxi users to self discipline themselves to wait till the earlier passenger who arrived before him to board the taxi.

I hope through my columns, my readers add value to these words by supporting this initiative through their own methods.

Ramesh Menon
03092007