Surveillance cameras to keep track of Dubai taxi drivers’ behavior

All taxi drivers in Dubai will soon be under the constant watch of surveillance cameras, keeping track of their behavior as well as their fatigue levels.

According to a senior Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) official, the entire fleet of around 9,500 taxis in Dubai will be equipped with the special cameras in phases, completing the project by early 2018.

“We have successfully completed the trial and we found the cameras useful in improving operational efficiency. We are now in talks with all the franchises to begin the installation of the cameras which will be done in phases over the next year,” said Adel Shakeri, director of Transportation Systems at RTA’s Public Transport Agency.

Interestingly, the surveillance system will not cover any of the passengers to protect their privacy.

According to Shakeri, the surveillance system is as much about monitoring the activities of the taxi drivers as it is about finding proof in cases of disputes.

Apart from enhancing operational efficiency of the taxis, the CCTV cameras are expected to improve the level of security for passengers as well.

“The cameras will help RTA monitor the performance of drivers, to see if the drivers are taking the necessary steps to improve the comfort level of the passengers,” said Shakeri.

Last year, taxis in Abu Dhabi were equipped with surveillance cameras.