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EDITOR IN CHIEF- ABDULLAH BIN SALIM AL SHUEILI

Mwasalat invites taxi owners to join its fleet

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By Vinod Nair — MUSCAT: April 15 - Mwasalat on Saturday issued a formal notice inviting Omani taxi owners to join its fleet for operations from shopping complexes, commercial centres and also on-demand services in Muscat. Applications are to be sent to the company’s headquarters in Azaiba during the period from April 17 till May 18 this year during work hours. Giving details, the company said Omani citizens wishing to join its fleet will need to have a valid driving license and should be in the age group 25-60 years. They should pass the mandatory medical tests and the taxi license should be registered only in the operator’s name.


The vehicle’s life must not exceed five years at the time of submitting the application and the engine capacity should not be less than 1.8 litres. The notice stipulates that vehicle should not have covered more than 500,000 km at the date of submission of the application. From it side, Mwasalat will install technical systems and the electronic meter at its expense, also paint the vehicle as per the recently released brand identity for taxi services. Drivers will be given proper driving to use technology-based devices and application for smart services.


Intensive training on customer service will be also offered to drivers.


Among other benefits, drivers will get competitive prices when replacing vehicles and a complimentary health insurance. They will be also able to join the health insurance system.


The company will share with drivers the 50 per cent of the net profit from advertising on taxis and will deduct 12 per cent of the total monthly income for the services provided by the company.


It may be noted that Mwasalat is also licensed to operate cab services at Muscat International Airport.


Speaking to the Observer recently, it was revealed there are plans to offer services for women by women in the future.


Taxi drivers have always claimed that little details were shared with them by the companies.


“We never had any details so far, except what was discussed in the social media. Now, at least we have something on hand to consider whether it is beneficial for us or not,” said Mohammed, a taxi driver who operates on weekdays from a leading hypermarket.


“Taxi services are no longer profitable with bus services picking up, more people getting driving licenses and not to forget the increasing fuel and insurance charges. If a company can offer a fixed source of income, I will be ready to study the proposal and its benefits,” said Khalil al Balushi, also employed in the government sector.


“There are advantages and disadvantages of working under a company, but it will benefit all if some regulations are in place.”


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