Passenger limit increased to three in Dubai taxis

Our Correspondent

The number of passengers allowed in regular taxis in Dubai has been increased to three, if the third passenger is a child under 15, announced the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in a tweet on December 26. Owing to prevailing COVID-19 precautions, the passenger seat next to the taxi driver should remain empty.

“If you commute in taxis, you can now accompany your child (up to 14 years old) as a third passenger in the vehicle without using the seat next to the driver. The number of authorised passengers in the three-row family vehicle (Van) remains 4, as a maximum, until further notice,” the RTA tweeted.

In September, Dubai taxi vans were allowed to take a total four passengers if the travel is booked via Hala, the joint venture ride-hailing app between RTA and Careem. Each of the two rows of seats for passengers in the vans is allowed to take two passengers (a total of four for both rows) to maintain social distancing. The passenger seat beside the driver in the front row has to be left empty. The tariff for the taxi van service is the same as that for a regular taxi.

Before September, all taxis could ferry only two passengers per vehicle because of COVID-19 precautions.