JEDDAH: Taxi drivers who transport pilgrims to Makkah during Ramadan say they make the most money of the year during the holy month.
“As a result of that we make early preparations for Ramadan, keeping our cars ready for the huge traffic, making necessary repairs,” one driver told Arab News.
“Because we don’t want to miss the opportunity by the sudden breakdown of our vehicles.”
Some people buy new cars to operate as taxis during Ramadan in order to compete with others in transporting the largest number of passengers and make the highest revenue during the month.
The official yellow taxis often complain against private taxis, saying they take away their passengers and cut their revenues. “You can see a large number of private taxis operating from the three taxi stations in Jeddah,” the driver said.
Arab News toured the taxi stands in downtown Jeddah and found that private taxis were charging the same fares as official taxis for transporting people from Jeddah to Makkah.
During the peak days of Ramadan, the charges double and after the 27th night of the holy month they charge SR50 per person due to big demand.
In peak seasons the official yellow taxis will not be enough to meet the demand of pilgrims and visitors traveling to Makkah.
Traffic police have often warned that those who operate illegal taxis would be fined and their vehicles confiscated.
Most of the private taxi drivers met by Arab News said they were forced to do the job to make both ends meet. “This is one of the job we have been practicing for the last several years and we have inherited it from our fathers,” one driver said. “We all belong to the limited income group and some of us have to pay several installments and meet other expenses and some others have to look after big families.”
This seasonal job helps them to meet the expenses during Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr. “We urge authorities to look into our situation and allow us to practice this seasonal job without any objection,” one driver said.
Some passengers said they prefer private taxis because they found them more comfortable compared to the legal ones.
“The drivers of private taxis will not take long time to take us to Makkah. Moreover, the charge is also reasonable,” he said. “Official taxis increase charges during the peak days of the season.”
