TAIF – The Ministry of Transport has laid down new regulations banning taxicabs from roaming streets in search of passengers, Al-Madinah daily reported. A fine up to SR5,000 will be imposed on first-time violators, according to the new regulations. Taxi centers will be set up to receive cab requests by phone. This procedure aims to reduce traffic jams and provide high-quality service to customers. Cabdrivers who do not fix Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) systems will be subject to a fine up to SR200. Committing the same violation several times will double the fine and may result in a revocation of the taxicab company's license. AVL systems will be linked with the Ministry of Transport and the National Information Center and will help locate the cab and keep track of its travel. Cabdrivers will be trained to use the system when driving while cab centers will be provided with phones to receive calls and record all calls for future reference. A fine of SR5,000 will be imposed on cabdrivers who do not have AVLs and SR4,000 if the system does not meet the ministry's requirements. Sources from the ministry expect the new regulations to be enforced in six months.
