Taxis taken in malls are expensive as call centre charges apply

Recently, Dubai residents have started to note, and complain, that taxis taken from the malls are bit steeper than taxis hailed on the streets.

Responding to such reports, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has clarified that taxis in the malls are usually requested by mall managements from the call centre so call center charges apply on such taxis. There is no change in the regular fare structure for taxis taken in malls.

The fare for taxis that are hailed on the street starts at Dh5 during daytime and Dh5.50 from 10pm to 6am.

However, the fares vary for taxis that are dispatched from the RTA’s Dispatch Centre [call centre]. If malls are calling taxis from RTA call centre, the dispatch rates will be applicable.

The taxis sent from the dispatch centre between 10am and 4pm and 8pm to 10pm charge a starting rate of Dh8. During peak hours — from 7am to 10am and 4pm to 8pm — the meter starts at Dh12. For taxis booked between 10pm and 6am, the meter starts at Dh9.

According to the RTA, commuters can find out whether a particular taxi will charge a dispatch fare or a regular fare from taxi meters and are free to opt out of the ride and wait for a regular taxi.

In case of any issue or discrepancy, commuters can lodge a complaint at 8009090 by mentioning the taxi number.