Dubai's taxi sector saw an increase of approximately 400,000 trips in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, according to a Wednesday announcement by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). From January to June this year, there were 55.7 million journeys, up from 55.3 million during the first half of 2023. Passenger numbers also rose from 96.2 million to 96.9 million in 2024, the RTA stated. The number of taxi drivers has increased from 26,000 last year to 30,000 currently. The total number of taxis in operation during the first half of 2024 reached 12,778, which is 644 more than the same period in 2023.
Adel Shakri, Director of Planning and Business Development at RTA's Public Transport Agency, noted: "The taxi sector is experiencing record growth through the e-hail service of Hala Taxi." E-bookings accounted for 40 percent of the total number of taxi journeys in Dubai during the first half of this year, a five percent increase compared to the same period in 2023. Additionally, 76 percent of Hala journeys had an average vehicle arrival time of less than 3.5 minutes during the first half of 2024, surpassing the 73 percent rate achieved in the same period last year, reflecting improvements in efficiency and responsiveness to meet customer needs.
