July 1, 2008

RTA pays bonus to Dubai Taxi drivers

DUBAI — As many as 3,669 drivers of Dubai Taxi who have completed one year of service were given bonuses based on their performance, Issa Al Dossari, CEO of the Public Transport Agency at the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), said yesterday.

The RTA has paid a total of Dh4 million to the drivers as bonuses, Al Dossari disclosed.

The decision comes after a section of drivers belonging to Dubai Taxi threatened to go on a 24-hour strike tomorrow (July 2) as a protest over "unreasonable" fines and penalties. Though the officials were not clear on the number of drivers prepared to go on strike, Al Dossari said there were several welfare measures in the pipeline for them that could prevent the drivers from going on protests.

Altogether, there are five taxi companies operating in the emirate. Of these, Dubai Taxi is government owned, while National, Cars, Metro and Arabia are franchise companies of the RTA.

The bonuses have been paid based on the performance and the behavioural skills. The driver who obtained “Excellent” rating was paid Dh2,000, while a “Very Good” rating fetched the driver Dh1,500 and a driver with a “Good” rating received Dh1,000. Further, Dossari said the RTA had recently hired a new residential complex to house 2,800 drivers in addition to the accommodation unit at Dubai Taxi Agency site, which accommodates around 3,200 drivers.

"Provision of accommodation covers all Dubai Taxi drivers, including new recruits who have yet to take up positions at the agency," he pointed out. “Among the benefits provided by the RTA to cab drivers is the medical insurance scheme. Earlier, the drivers used to have medical treatment in a small clinic attached to the agency. Today, they are privileged with health insurance and can get treatment in about 25 hospitals and clinics against a monthly deduction of only Dh42," he added.

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