Limousines thrive after crackdown on illegal cabs

A new type of limousine service is fast spreading in Qatar, thanks to the continuing crackdown on illegal cabs.

Many jobless expatriates are now operating limousines procuring a license from one of many rent-a-car or transport companies authorized to run the service.

They have found it a more secure job compared to operating an illegal cab because they don’t face the risk of being caught by law-enforcing authorities.

They are new entrants in the market, competing more with the taxi service than established limousine operators.

The business thrives in two ways — it benefits many low-income workers and has become a new source of income for many rent-a-car firms struggling to survive.

With the rising costs of new cars and their high maintenance costs, car rental business has become less profitable.

Many small firms have been shut down or switched over to limousine business.

In most cases, these companies are not directly operating the service, they give cars on hire to freelance drivers, along with the license of a limousine and charge a fixed daily or monthly rental.

In some cases, cars are owned by drivers who are supposed to pay a monthly fee for the license.

Earlier, many low-income expatriates had been operating illegal cabs in the same way, using vehicles hired from rent-a-car firms on a long-term basis.

As per rules, drivers have to be sponsored by the company. However, many expatriates have been allowed to run limousine services using a license provided by an authorized firm which is why these services have become increasingly popular.

Limousines are not permitted to pick customers from the roads, like taxis.

Most of their customers are working people, school and university students and families, mostly using their services on a regular basis.

Most limousine drivers feel that there is not much risk involved in this.

There are regular police inspections where one just needs to show their limousine license.

One can make a fairly good amount if they get enough customers and work hard.

Limousines are not permitted to use cars older than five years.

But like any other business, there are drivers violating rules and picking people from the roads. [Peninsula]

Taxi businesses like Uber and Careem have also gained fame here. These services shot up in the late 2013 and are preffered by most customers due to their arrival before time and ease of pay.

Neither business actually owns cars or directly employs drivers; they instead contract with existing limousine service providers.

These on-demand car services allows everyone to have a private driver experience via iPhone, Android, SMS or web-requests.

Through the use of a mobile application, they allow urban travelers to quickly find rides with chauffeured car services, partnering with licensed and insured transportation providers.

Sources say that these services may cost an extra 10 riyals per ride but make sure that their customers step out of the cars happy.

Which taxi or limousine service do you prefer? Share your experiences in the comments below.