Dubai's RTA to Shift 80% of Taxis From Street-Hailing to E-Hailing

Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) aims to shift 80 percent of taxis' street-hail services to e-hail services in the coming years.

.@rta_dubai endorses a plan to shift 80% of taxi trips from street-hailing to e-hailing. The decision stems from the remarkable success of Hala e-hailing rides, which accounted for 30% of all taxi trips in #Dubai in 2022.https://t.co/sujm9Lf6r2 pic.twitter.com/AzqWxWD06D

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) March 19, 2023

RTA announced on Sunday, March 19th, that it had endorsed a plan for a gradual shift to e-hail services, following the success of Hala e-hailing rides, which accounted for 30 percent of all taxi trips in Dubai in 2022.

This plan comes in line with the Emirati government's goal of transforming Dubai into the world's smartest city, said Mattar Al Tayer, RTA director-general.

"This step also aligns with the worldwide shift in urban transportation planning, focusing on improving individual mobility, decreasing dependence on private cars, fostering happiness among residents, delivering outstanding services to visitors, and boosting customer satisfaction," he added.

RTA will allocate a dedicated fleet of taxis to exclusively offer e-hail services. 

Users only need to download the Careem app on their phones, then choose Hala vehicles from the available options and confirm their pick-up location to book a ride.

E-hailing taxi service leads to a higher percentage of trips with shorter waiting times. It is the most efficient means of matching taxi supply with demand. 

Image source: @rta_dubai Twitter account.