New Rules for Taxi and Airport Drivers in Saudi Arabia
The experience of hailing a cab in Saudi Arabia is about to improve. With an emphasis on your comfort, safety, and more professional service, the Transport Authority has implemented new regulations for all taxi and airport drivers.
Here is a brief summary of the changes for taxi and airport drivers in Saudi
1. Tidier, Cleaner Cabs
Ads and tiny screens may be visible within your taxi, but new regulations require that they are positioned so they don’t obstruct the driver’s view or annoy other passengers.
2. Better and Safer Automobiles
A car must meet additional requirements to qualify as a taxi:
- It needs to be brand-new—never registered in Saudi Arabia before.
- It can’t be more than five years old.
- It needs to be properly equipped with a camera and meter and registered as a “taxi.”
- All passengers must have full insurance coverage.
- The cab license has a one-year expiration date and needs to be renewed promptly.
3. Skilled, Qualified Drivers
Drivers must now be completely qualified. They need to have:
- a current general taxi driver’s license.
- a Transport Authority professional card, which is also valid for a year.
4. The Location of Passenger Pickup
City taxis are able to travel both inside and outside of cities. But they can’t just pick someone up off the street in another city; they have to use a booking app to locate a new passenger to return.
Airport taxis are able to transport passengers to any location after they arrive at the airport. However, they have to wait for a new reservation before they can go back to the airport to pick up a new flight arrival.
5. The Rights You Have Drivers now have explicit obligations to you as a passenger. They have to:
- When the trip begins, always use the meter.
- Maintain the vehicle’s cleanliness and upkeep.
- Keep your appearance professional and wear a clean uniform.
- Avoid smoking in the car at all costs.
- Post a sign that reads, “The ride is free if the meter is not working.”
- Be mindful of your privacy.
6. The Ability of a Driver to Refuse
A driver is entitled to decline service for the sake of everyone’s safety if a passenger:
- is eating, smoking, or acting impolitely.
- has more people than seats available.
- refuses to use a seat belt.
- is hostile, intoxicated, or unsure of where they’re going.
- misbehaves or tampers with the vehicle’s apparatus.
In summary, the goal of these new regulations is to make taxi rides in Saudi Arabia more secure, dependable, and comfortable for both drivers and passengers. For all drivers, it’s a welcome improvement.
