Do we need Wi-Fi in taxis?

Readers say taxis need to have a navigation system more than Wi-Fi. Other topics: pocket money, counterfeit goods, 'accident', water hazards

Readers say taxis need navigation systems more than Wi-Fi. Fatima Al Marzooqi / The National

While it is good to read of taxis in Abu Dhabi becoming technologically advanced and equipped with more facilities such as Wi-Fi and mobile chargers, I do not see the need for making taxis this complicated (Abu Dhabi taxis to be fitted with Wi-Fi and phone chargers, March 12).

Although these services would benefit passengers, it would be nice if people had some time off from the internet. At the end of it, our increased dependence on technology will only make us lazy.

With Wi-Fi in every corner, our social interaction is rapidly deteriorating. Now I am sure many people will blame taxi drivers for dropping them at a wrong place while as they were so busy surfing the internet that they could not give direction to the driver.

Fatima Suhail, Sharjah

I’d prefer a navigation system and expect drivers to know how to use it. How hard is it for them to install a Waze or Tom Tom and teach cabbies to use them? Many times I feel like just taking over the taxi and driving myself where I need to go and pay the driver anyway.

When in a taxi, be alert and aware of where they are taking you.

Jean Francoise Ng Lewis, Dubai

Pocket money a source of many problems

I can't believe that the majority of children in this country who get regular pocket money receive up to Dh500 a month (School your children in spending, March 12). It is no wonder youngsters in this region do not understand the value of money and debts are so outrageously high.

My nieces and nephews at the age of 10 get £48 (Dh250) a month as they are not expected to buy their own lunch. That should come out of the family budget and be spent on good wholesome food, not junk.

So that explains the other problem – why obesity among children is on the increase. Developing good habits in formative years is essential to create well-balanced individuals of the future. You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to work that one out.

Name withheld by request

Brands should come out clean

The principal reason one should be concerned about buying fakes is that it's usually criminal gangs using child labour or other questionable labour and environmental practices (Why some Emiratis buy counterfeit goods when they could afford the genuine product, March 12).

However, it’s well documented that the brands go to great lengths to subcontract out their manufacturing and obscure their supply chain, and when you get to the bottom of that chain, the goods are very often produced in the same factory and conditions the fakes are made in. Until the brands seriously up their game and be genuine about their supply chain, why pay $500 for an item that cost them 25 cents to produce.

John Paul, Dubai

This was not an accident

In the news report First responder survives crash in Sharjah (March 12), the word "accident" implies that no one can be blamed.

In this case, an irresponsible person on a motorcycle made a conscious decision to drive dangerously and consequently crashed. To describe this sequence of events as an accident is a bit like claiming Kurt Cobain put a shotgun muzzle in his mouth, pulled the trigger and accidentally blew his brains out as a result.

Toby Masson, Dubai

Beware of stagnant water

Regarding the report Flood water poses health risks, doctors say (March 2), rain is a blessing and people, especially children, want to enjoy it by playing outdoors in flooded streets and water puddles.

However, parents and guardians must be vigilant with regard to the health and safety of their young ones who choose to play in stagnant water that is unclean and a breeding ground for mosquitoes and bacteria.

Name withheld by request