Oman’s taxi owners fear losing customers due to new meter system

Muscat: Drivers operating 'white and orange' taxis in Oman are worried that the new meter system could cost them customers.
According to the Ministry of Transport and Communications’ new Ministerial decision, all 'orange and white' taxis in Oman will have to install electronic meters from June 2019 onwards. Taxi drivers and owners fear this will cost them customers.
Read here: Metered orange and white taxis from next year

“Although we will make more money per fare, people will not be willing to pay 130 baisa per kilometre, which means fewer customers. So, we could lose customers in the long run,” said one of the worried taxi owners.

According to the decision, customers will be charged 130 baisa per kilometre travelled, in addition to 300 baisas service charge, which will be activated when customers sit in the taxi. However, if the fares are less than OMR1, then a flat fare of OMR1 is applicable.

Another concerned taxi owner, who shares the same sentiments about losing customers said that people will be more inclined to ride a bus than a taxi.

“No one will use taxis due to such high fares. Instead, they will now take a bus. Perhaps one or two customers will take a taxi if they are in hurry but won’t use it on a daily basis.”