Dubai Mood :: Travel News :: Sharjah Tax Companies Face Shortage of Drivers

For More Information's & Details 0844 448 1460
Email Sales Enquiry

Sharjah Tax Companies Face Shortage of Drivers

SHARJAH - The increase in taxi fleets and taxi driver terminations and resignations have put Sharjah Public Transport Corporation (SPTC) firms in a tight corner.

Mohammed Hindi, an official from Emirate Taxi said: “Recently, several taxi drivers resigned since they were unable to meet their targets. They say they were working under pressure.” “Taxi companies in the emirate have also increased their fleet which is creating a shortage,” he said.

Hindi added: “Currently, Emirates Taxi has 1,300 vehicles with plans to increase the fleet. We need at least 100 drivers to work in the company. And since the Dh20 rates have been implemented in the Sharjah to Dubai taxis, we hope that more qualified drivers will join our taxi company since it will be easier for them to meet targets,” he said.

In July, the Sharjah Public Transport Corporation (SPTC) announced the addition of 1,000newtaxis to its fleet of 5,000. However, SPTC sources say the entire fleet may not be able to function at a go as the corporation doesn’t have enough drivers.

“Drivers are terminated mainly due to the large number of complaints lodged against them by customers,” said the official from Emirates Taxi, “Many quit because they cannot take in the hectic work schedule.

Drivers, however, say the taxi companies often have poor payment schemes and big deductions from their monthly commissions was a major put off.

At least 50-100 drivers were terminated from the Emirates Taxi fleet last year alone and the same number resigned.

The official added: “We have a strict criteria, and not every one can be hired,” he adds. Drivers also have to undergo stringent practical and theoretical interviews and training.

However, a few companies claim that they have happy drivers. Mohammed Al Haddad, CEO of Advantage Taxi, said: “We payDh2,000as a monthly salary plus a bonus if they earn more than Dh10,000 in a month,” he said.

Advantage Taxi has the biggest fleet of 1,250 vehicles in the emirate, which also includes exclusive limousine services.

“Other companies have poor payment schemes and do not have fixed monthly payments.

That is one reason why drivers quit,” the official continued. Before being terminated, drivers are given at least two verbal warnings, followed by a monetary fine. Only then they are terminated as the final disciplinary act. Normally, taxi drivers do not get a fixed monthly salary. Instead, they get a 30 per cent commission on the total monthly earnings.

“Nothing can justify the deductions made by our management,” a driver from a franchise company, speaking on the condition of anonymity said, “We are told that we have committed traffic violations, but we are never shown any proof.

Holiday Mood Limited
66 Park Way
Ruislip Middlesex HA48NR
Tel: 0844 448 1460 Fax: 01895 674242
E-mail: sales@holidaymood.co.uk

Partner Sites: www.holidaymood.co.uk www.ozzymood.co.uk www.africanmood.co.uk www.dubaimood.co.uk www.flightsmood.co.uk www.jumeirahbeachdubai.co.uk

The flight bookings we make are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority, except when tickets for scheduled flights are sent to your within 24 hours of payment being accepted. Our ATOL number is 5934. We also act as agents for other ATOL holders. ATOL protection extends primarily to customers who book and pay in the United Kingdom