‘Taxi-on-demand’ service in offing

Manama : The Kingdom will soon have more ‘taxi-on-demand’ services, as the Government has revealed that it’s planning to issue more permits for such services. 

Operated by private companies, the new taxis will offer premium service with certified drivers and special number plates that distinguish them from normal taxis. 

Transportation and Telecommunications Minister Kamal Ahmed confirmed that the service is aimed at enhancing services and giving more options to the public, without harming the interests of Bahrainis who currently work in the sector.

The plan was revealed in reply to a question in Parliament submitted by MP Khalid Al Shaer in relation to the number of permitted taxis in the Kingdom.

Ahmed clarified in his answer, which will be reviewed by MPs on Tuesday, that there are 1460 permitted taxis on the island’s roads. 

He explained further saying that 978 of the vehicles are owned and operated by local cabbies, while 482 are owned by private establishments that include Arabian Taxi, Wasel, Bahrain Limo, Speedy Motor and City Limo.

“The Transport Ministry is adopting several plans to develop the public transportation sector after the duties of regulating it have been transferred from the General Directorate of Traffic to the ministry as per the Traffic Law 23 for 2014,” the minister   added in his reply.