Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in a recent post announced a new cap on the number of people that can travel in taxis. As per the new rule, taxis can take up to two adults and one child aged below 14 years of the same family. Those travelling by taxis can now accompany your child up to 14 years old as a third passenger in the vehicle. However, passengers cannot use the seat next to the driver.
Also read: A First Of Its Kind Footbridge Opens In Dubai Marina
Children Below 15 Can Be Third Passenger In Dubai Taxis
Previously, Dubai taxis were permitted to take only two passengers per vehicle. In September, RTA allowed up to four passengers to travel in Hala (Dubai Taxi) vans, which can be booked on the Careem app. Hala van taxis have two rows of seats. So, two passengers can sit on each row to maintain social distancing. However, the RTA has now revised the number of authorised passengers in the three-row family vehicle (van) to four until further notice.
Dubai Taxi To Use Artificial Intelligence To Monitor Driver Behaviour
Dubai taxis have introduced a new system to monitor and track the behaviour of taxi drivers. Roads and Transport Authority had launched an Artificial Intelligence technology to monitor drowsy and distracted driving. Besides monitoring behavior, the system will also ensure drivers and passengers wear facemask and follow social distancing. Meanwhile, Dubai Now Has New Radars To Catch People Using Mobile Phones While Driving, so watch out!
How Does The New AI System Work?
The system works on audio messages which detect sudden lane changes, abrupt braking or when the driver is too close to another vehicle. The technology helps RTA to access the performance of the driver in a continuous manner. Driver caught making mistakes will be alerted or be sent on rehabilitation courses.
AI System Detects Passengers Who Aren’t Wearing A Mask
In an effort to curb the spread of Covid, the Dubai RTA has installed AI in taxis to curb the spread of Covid. The artificial intelligence technology can detect people who aren’t wearing a mask. The AI technology can scan human faces and also detect if they are wearing masks or not. The technology also has a smart mathematical feature that can track the distance between the passenger and the driver. The technology can process videos for up to 200 thousand hours per day. Besides, Dubai Taxis Also Installed Isolators To Avoid Risks Of COVID-19 Infection.
Rules For Passengers Using Public Transport
In line with the precautions to curb coronavirus, the Dubai RTA released a new set of rules. Here’s an overview of the new rules for Dubai Metro, taxis, trams and buses:
- All passengers must wear a face mask while traveling by all public transport including taxis
- Residents having a fever or flu symptoms are advised not to use public transport
- Taxis and limousines are now restricted to only carry two passengers at a time, to ensure social distancing
- Passengers must sit ONLY in alternate seats in metros, trams and buses. Besides, riders are strictly advised against sitting on seats marked with an ‘X’
- Those standing in metros, trams or buses must maintain safe distance by staying on the demarcated floor stickers