Dubai introduces 'luxury' taxi fleet

Posted by: DSC resident Sunday, 26 August 2012 1:14 PM[UAE] - U.A.E.

If it resulted in a taxi actually showing up (or at least someone letting me know that one would not) after calling the Booking & Dispatch Centre and being advised that ?your booking has been accepted and the first available taxi will be sent? I would happily pay and extra 50 AED on top of the standard rate. In what was apparently ranked as the 10th best city in the world to live you would think that a reliable taxi service would be a given. Don?t get me wrong, I love Dubai, it?s a great place to live and work, but there is some room for improvement when it comes to taxi services. DTC would, in my opinion, be better to focus on delivering a reliable, dependable, on-time service rather than creating a high-tier service for those willing to spend a little more.

Posted by: jason Sunday, 26 August 2012 9:52 AM[UAE] - uae

these were being "offered" to unsuspecting arrival passengers at Terminal 3 when I came back last week.

after leading them to the "nicer taxi" I heard the family in front of me ask if there was a difference in price and the Apt taxi organiser said a little.

Everything is relative I suppose.

Posted by: Red Snappa Friday, 24 August 2012 3:36 PM[UAE] - Ireland

To be honest at those prices you would expect the drivers to have undergone the equivalent of a London cabby's 'The Knowledge'. Not suggesting that they ride round on a bike for two years, learning the streeet names by heart, but as an earlier contributor says, knowing where they are going is important.

However, I remember when you could dine out well for two for 50 dirhams, in a no alcohol environment, add another 10 and you had the taxi fare home - and petrol is still cheap if underpriced!

Posted by: Reminiscent Sunday, 26 August 2012 6:14 PM[UAE] - United Arab Emirates

Oh man those days are well and truly gone!.. That was the Dubai I grew up in, loved it and still do.. Peaceful, quiet, great atmosphere and btw business was booming back then too... Oh well, one can only hope the market gets back to normal and we see shades of the more calmer side again...

Posted by: KB DXB Friday, 24 August 2012 1:00 PM[UAE] - UAE

This is a complete joke! ALL taxi drivers should have the above as they are serving the public. Paying Dhs50 for a flag down...no thanks!

Posted by: manesh Wednesday, 29 August 2012 8:56 PM[UAE] - uae

agree with u all the way. Dubai roads, highways r very well organised & clear printed signs, all taxi drivers should know all the routes, NOT specially trained drivers. Petrol prices r cheap in Dubai but taxi fares r high compared to major cities of the world. 50dhs flagdown truely a joke..... no way!

Posted by: Doug Thursday, 23 August 2012 4:37 PM[UAE] - UAE

I love how none of the essential initial tests involve knowing where things are in Dubai. I'll be hugely comforted by my driver's elegant appearance as we get hopelessly lost somewhere in Al Barsha.