Abu Dhabi, UAE: The number of forgotten items in taxis that are returned to their rightful owners have increased from 14% in 2014 to 60% this year—this is a result of the installation of CCTV cameras in taxis in 2015.
The security project, which took a year to complete, reveals that the percentage of lost and never returned items have decreased dramatically since the installation of cameras in all 7,645 taxis.
In 2015, the CentER for Regulation of Transport by Hire Cars (TransAd) announced the year-long project to install CCTVs in all taxis. In the roll-out stage, 100 cars were fitted with cameras. The second phase was carried out within the year covering the entire TransAd fleet.
Aside from helping in the process of returning lost items, the cameras also enable specialists at the centER to monitor journeys to ensure the safety of the driver and passengers. The cameras will also be used to settle any claims made by passengers against drivers.
Residents in the capital told Khaleej Times that the security systems have certainly put their minds at ease.
“I heavily rely on taxis to take me from home to work, as parking is often a hassle, but my family used to worry when I travel by taxis, especially when it’s long distance,” said 29 year old Zainab Al Adhami. “Since installation of the security cameras, I can certainly say that my family feel that I am safer, and I also know that my items are safe if I lose or forget them.”
Alana Clark said she has noticed more taxi drivers driving with caution since the imbedding of the cameras. “I used to always see cab drivers messaging while driving – it is a horrid and dangerous habit and puts people’s lives at risk. I can say that I rarely see drivers using their mobile phones on the roads now, and it definitely puts my mind at ease.”
