I stayed in Riyadh for a few days during the book fair that was held there. I used taxis to get around. I noticed that expatriates monopolize this sector under the nose of taxi companies. The owners of taxi firms recruit workers abroad, bring them to the Kingdom, hand them keys to a new car and ask them to pay them between SR120 and SR150 a day. Taxi drivers are responsible for other expenses, such as vehicle maintenance. Taxis generate a good amount of money, especially in major cities. Why do the authorities not focus on this sector and why is it still not Saudized? Do the owners of companies have a role in this? I am sure many of our unemployed youth want the authorities to Saudize this important sector. I suggest that the authorities issue a resolution prohibiting expatriates from driving taxis. Before taking this step, they should set up a joint-stock company that would hand over taxis to citizens according to their age, conduct and health conditions. The drivers should also complete courses before taking the wheel. They could be asked to pay a certain amount of money every day or buy taxis in installments. For the latter option, government funds could be set up to support the youth in paying some of the installments. Companies could promote their products by placing advertisements on taxis for a certain fee. This would help Saudi taxi drivers earn more money. Egypt has introduced a similar project which has proved successful. Taxicabs should be of a distinct color and should be equipped with GPS systems and proper meters. They should be fully insured similar to taxis in other countries such as the UK and Holland. A question that always confounds me is why the interests of the owners of taxi companies are placed before the interests of members of the public. Are we serious about Saudization? If yes, then why don't we simply benefit from other countries and follow what they do?
