Qatar residents say enough is enough to taxi drivers
Our post yesterday, about illegal taxis and whether they will ever go away, seems to have touched a chord with our readers.
Going by replies the post garnered on our official Facebook page, we understand that people are gravely concerned about the quality of service provided by taxis available here.
QL user Joseph Thomas highlighted this oft-repeated complaint.
“The official taxi drivers never put meter. They will ask customers before entering the taxi how much will you give without meter. If we don’t agree to travel without meter, he will just go away. Another issue if we take this official taxi, if there is some body on the way he will take them too. Its a big security concern coz who knows who’s entering on the way!!!”
However, another QL user Amir Jericho pointed out that people were legally protected from such incidents.
“There's literally a law that prohibits them from doing that. You could just call and make a complaint. I usually just walk without paying when they don't turn on the meter,” he noted.
But Haseeb KP felt it was sometimes too risky to do so and hoped the Doha Metro would solve some of the issues in the coming days.
“There has been incidents of violence (even murder) over 10AED. And besides no one wants to stay out in the sun that too at 8 in the morning. I hope the metro will be their Karma.”
Saad Farooq, another irate user, put the blame of illegal taxis squarely on Karwa’s shoulders.
“The only reason for illegal taxis are thriving is because the legal taxis — Karwa — are really bad. Even meter rates are extraordinarily high. Strange that even after 10 years no one has understood it yet. Slash the fares by 50-75% and there will never be any illegal taxi,” he said.
Jon-Jon Edza took the humour route to make clear his preference.
“Illegal taxis are better than Karwa taxis with meter faster than Usain Bolt.”
However, Sandeep Singh was one of the rare voices who came out in support of Karwa services.
“All people having issues with legal taxis, please book through Karwa app. It’s simple to use plus it tracks the taxi also. Charges are same apart from extra booking charge of QR5,” he opined.
Perhaps QL could actually go out and ask the Karwa Management to comment and tell us what we should do ..
Both the services are poor in my experience. And yes, the driver and the passenger - both are at fault for encouraging unpleasant transport services.
If the karwa drivers demands more, agree and board the taxi, take down the taxi details and possible take a picture of the driver, when you reach the destination get down from the taxi pay the meter amount and walk away.
If he has not switched on the meter then ride is free, driver will try to argue that's when you pay him the minimum amount and tell him you will complain Karwa immediately.
NOte always take the back seat and remember you can always open the door even if it is locked by drivers, use the knob in the door handle. I am regular karwa user and it has worked each time.
Some times driver ask for destination before boarding and might not pick you if it is far off place or if the destination has traffic jam, all you have to do is board the taxi telling you will pay extra, again once you reach place of destination, just pay the meter amount and walk away.
Driver can't turnoff the taxi meter ,if anyone recently book a taxi, he will recognize this is incorrect , there is new meter start working after passenger take a set , and it's impossible turnoff the meter .....
Whats the big deal. There is a sticker on the taxi window with the taxi rules.
One of them is, (something like) "If the meter is not set, you can pay Qr 10 /-)".
what is the number or email where I can report those illegal taxi drivers?
Everyone charges for pre-booking because the taxi has to be diverted / sent to your location. This can incur extra mileage and time. Five riyals is reasonable
Even One Rial counts ............... ........
Why extra 5 riyal for booking online via app?
Like many location based taxi apps, it's easier and more convenient for both user and taxi. Then why extra 5 riyals. If I want to go from home to nearest hotel or mall it might cost me 10-15 riyals and having to pay an extra 5 is nearly 33%-50% of the ride cost so that doesn't make sense
Finally. And they should do something about the indian drivers who always pop out asking if you want a taxi. I just want a karwa taxi but these people are everywhere. They are in airport too and when they bring guest to hotel they ask commission from the reception.
Karwa taxi drivers also offer random receipts if you want your one.
I really hate the taxi services in Doha. No professionalism shown at all by the drivers. the system should change to provide a better service to the community.
What's with the covering up of the meter too with that 'Microsoft Windows sign' too? Obviously up to no good.
You can't just blame the drivers - the public is also at fault by agreeing to "bargain" for the fare and not complaining .
However, the major fault lies with the authorities for not clamping down and monitoring the taxi sevice