ABU DHABI // Unlicensed taxi drivers continue to harass passengers at Abu Dhabi International Airport despite warnings of arrest and hefty fines.
In August, Abu Dhabi Police arrested 50 drivers caught illegally picking up passengers from the airport. But residents said drivers still loitered in and around the arrivals terminal, asking passengers if they want cheaper rides.
B P, a resident of Abu Dhabi for more than 20 years, said she had been harassed by illegal taxi drivers several times when she arrived at the airport.
“I felt uncomfortable as they came very close to me,” she said. She said she was told by airport services and police that the illegal drivers would soon be back after being removed.
Another Abu Dhabi resident said he would not take illegal cabs even if drivers offered Dh25 because it was risky.
“If police catch you, they will fine us Dh500 and the taxi driver Dh5,000, so I am waiting for the city bus,” the Indian said.
Authorised airport taxi flagfall rates start at Dh25 and fares can reach up to Dh100 to go into the city. Public buses cost Dh4, and temporary bus cards that are valid for 14 days can be bought from a machine at the arrivals terminal for Dh5.
Illegal cabbies at air-conditioned bus shelters offered passengers rates of Dh25 a person for a shared cab and Dh80 for one passenger on the ride to Abu Dhabi City.
“See, they occupy the AC bus shelter, which is for us, and nobody likes to take their services because it’s risky,” said S K, a Pakistani who was waiting for a city bus at Terminal 3. “Police can catch them.”
The drivers also offer services to arriving tourists who may not be aware they are illegal.
“I don’t want to take the cab, I want to catch a public transport bus,” said a female tourist, who avoided the drivers. “I am going to grab the bus pass.”
Col Rashid Bourshid, head of Abu Dhabi Police CID, warned people not to use unlicensed taxis, which are usually driven by Asians.
Col Bourshid said groups of unlicensed cab drivers were caught in an operation by CID. Their vehicles were confiscated and legal action will be taken against them, Col Bourshid said. If caught, illegal drivers can face fines ranging from Dh5,000 to Dh10,000, a 30-day jail term, or both.
anwar@thenational.ae
