Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced that all taxis in the region will offer free Wi-Fi by the end of the year, according to buro247.com.
The service is already available to residents and tourists in 155 Hala Taxis across Dubai, however this is now being extended even further in order to try and boost the region’s reputation as a “smart” city. A third-party service provider will install the Wi-Fi on vehicles. They are hoping to generate profit from the service through advertising.
Talking about the initiative, Abdulla Al Madani, chief executive of corporate support services at the RTA, told thenational.ae: “Connectivity is important. Wherever we can provide free Wi-Fi and internal services, we will do.”
The scheme comes after Wi-Fi services were also recently included on Dubai’s intercity buses, as well as onto bus shelters. Along with free Wi-Fi, the RTA is also installing a credit and debit card payment systems in 1,000 of its taxis before the end of summer. This will increase to 8,000 by the end of the year.
Pre-paid smartcards called NoI cards will also be accepted in taxis by this time. These are currently used on the metro and bus network in Dubai.
