DUBAI // Ordering a taxi in Dubai will become more expensive when transport chiefs raise the morning and evening rush hour call-out charge.
The increase to Dh10 from Dh6 will come into effect on Sunday morning.
Saturday to Wednesday, the fee will be applied from 7am to 10am and from 4pm to 8pm.
On Thursdays, Fridays and national holidays, the fee will be in effect from 4pm until midnight.
The rise, which was approved by the Public Transport Agency at the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), has been implemented to ensure that drivers are paid more when they are stuck in rush-hour traffic on call outs.
Taxis flagged on the street during rush hour will still have a Dh10 minimum fare.
"Normal fares will apply during other times, as the hike will only apply to pre-booked taxis, which accounts only for 5 per cent total taxi users," said Essa Abdul Rahman Al Dosari, the chief executive of the Public Transport Agency.
Transport officials said the fee was also enacted to entice drivers to pick up pre-ordered taxis during rush hour.
Sarah Robinson, 31, who lives in Al Barsha, said taxis often fail to show up during rush hour.
"It's pointless even thinking of ordering a taxi on a Thursday until 9pm. I don't even order them anymore. I either drive to a mall and get one from there or else I drive to the hotel where I'd be going for dinner and pick up my car later. I hope this makes a difference."
eharnan@thenational.ae
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