Grateful for extra money, they get Muslims home on time Saudi Gazette JEDDAH – Jeddah's main roads are turned into a Formula One speed track in the evening as people race to get home in time for Iftar. Data by the traffic department in Makkah region, at the end of Q1/2011, shows that more than 385,000 vehicles of all types are registered to roam the city's densely populated 600 sq. km. With work ending at 4.30 P.M. for most public and private workers, no one should have a problem getting home to break their fast with their loved ones. In theory this is what should happen, but it is a different story in practice. Along Jeddah's main arteries such as Al-Malik, Prince Sultan, Madina, Sitteen, Wali Al-Ahd, Makronah, Salamah, Al-Rawdah and the infamous Ring Road, taxis can be seen zigzagging their way to one destination or another. Four experienced drivers revealed how they cope on the city streets. Abed, who worked for 15 years as a taxi driver but is now a family chauffeur, said most people who use taxis before Iftar are those who fall asleep at work in the late afternoon and wake up late. “A good number work either for businesses or are self-employed and own shops. They normally take a catnap after Asr prayers and nobody wakes them up. They are usually tired or have to go back to the office after Isha prayers so they prefer taking a taxi.” “They are really generous and pay more to get home on time. They also sympathize with us because we give up Iftar [with our families] to take them home.” Hisham and Shoug, both veteran taxi drivers, revealed another side of the story. “Some people are unfortunate and their cars break down or they run out of gas. So they take a taxi home to have Iftar with their families and then return later to fetch their cars,” said Shoug. Nadeer, another taxi driver, said that people also take taxis when they are running late for family or work gatherings at Iftar. “We taxi drivers know shortcuts through the side streets to avoid waiting at traffic lights and to get people to their destinations faster.” Shoug said most of his passengers insist on giving him some food as a sign of appreciation, but he always politely declines their offer. Nadeer added that he often acts as a guide for those out-of-towners who have lost their way to the houses of their friends or relatives. “I usually wait at gas stations, ATMs and drug stores. “Last week I encountered a family from Taif who had come to join their relatives for Iftar in Jeddah, but the head of the family was not able to communicate with his relatives because the battery of his mobile was dead. I met them at Al-Hudaa drug store on Hail Street and drove ahead of their Suburban using my mobile to get directions from their host. This was the strangest reason ever for having Iftar behind the wheel.” These drivers were unanimous that they do not mind missing having Iftar with friends and family. They feel they are doing good and making some extra money. They are also grateful for the water, dates and other food handed out by charities on the streets at Iftar for drivers. “We sometimes wish Ramadan was all year long,” said Abed. __
