Dubai taxi fares to increase from December 1

The flag-down rate during all hours for direct trips from the roadside will be increased from Dh3 to Dh5.

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority is increasing taxi starting rates next month. Pawan Singh / The National

DUBAI // The Roads and Transport Authority is raising taxi flag-fall rates to Dh5 from Dh3 next month.

And for pre-booked taxis the rate will rise to Dh8 from Dh6 during normal hours, and to Dh12 from Dh10 in peak hours.

The rates were decided on after studies of some of the world’s most developed cities, said Dr Yousef Al Ali, head of the RTA’s Public Transport Agency.

“It is worth mentioning that the taxi fare applicable in Dubai is the cheapest among some of the world’s most developed cities, such as London, New York, Amsterdam, Paris, Singapore, Tokyo and other metropolises,” Dr Al Ali said.

He said that all taxi meters would be upgraded with the new rates within three weeks, starting from December 1.

The RTA said it regarded cab drivers as ambassadors for Dubai, and that the fee increases would boost their incomes and provide them with more motivation to improve services.

“The step is intended to overcome challenges that cabbies face during daily operations, stamp out all problems impeding the delivery of better services to the public and taxi users, and implement the best practices of the industry,” Dr Al Ali said.

The authority said it would ensure as many taxis were on the road as possible, and that service would be prompt, especially in rush hour.

It said it wanted to promote the “comfort, fun and privacy” of taxis, while meeting the growing demand for them.

Peak hours from Saturday to Wednesday are from 7am to 10am and 4pm to 8pm, and on Thursdays and Fridays from 4pm to 12am.