The Dubai Taxi 5 year plan has been given the green signal by RTA (Roads and Transport Authority, Dubai). The plan, termed Dubai Taxi Corporation Projects & Investment Initiatives 2016-2021, includes major overhaul of infrastructure, technology and systems.
The Dubai Taxi Corporation (DTC) fleet will expand its numbers from 5,000 in 2015 to 7,000 in 2021. The 40% percent jump is needed to ensure effectively catering to the increasing number of customers (residents as well as tourists).
The vast number of global visitors expected to attend Dubai Expo 2020 is also a factor in expanding the fleet. The number of limousines is also being increased by almost 340%, from 113 in 2015 to 500 by 2021.
Additionally, the Dubai Taxi 5 year plan incorporates the Green Economy goals of the city. 50% of the cabs in the fleet will be hybrids to meet 2021 goals. This will reduce carbon emissions by 2%.
RTA is also planning improvements in the school transport sector with the aim of providing safe and reliable transit services for students. The DTCs 5 year plan includes initiatives for enhancing the school transportation system to encourage parents to use school buses as opposed to private vehicles.
DTC will be providing eco-friendly buses featuring high-end technology in pursuance of this goal. The number of school buses will go from 117 in 2015 to over 650 in 2021.