New taxi service for Abu Dhabi suburbs

A new local taxi service has been launched for the Abu Dhabi suburbs of Shahama and Bahia, according to the WAM news agency. The Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council and the Emirates Foundation made the announcement today, as part of a revitalisation plan for the two communities. Shilaila and Samha are also included in the new service area. The new taxi service is in response to a community workshop last month where residents of the two communities, located along the Abu Dhabi-Dubai highway, said transportation was a major challenge.

TransAD, the organisation that monitors taxi services in Abu Dhabi, launched the service which will offer regular metered taxis dispatched from Shahama's bus station. People will also be able to book taxis by phone. "The [Urban Planning Council] is pleased that the taxi services are being implemented so quickly in these communities," said the council's general manager, Falah Al Ahbabi. "The residents have told us what they need for revitalisation, and we agree that improved transportation is central to our overall objectives."

*WAM