Citizens may be allowed to use private cars as taxis

RIYADH: The Transport Ministry is exploring the possibility of allowing Saudis to use their own vehicles as cabs instead of making it obligatory for them to use registered taxis for the purpose.
“This will encourage more Saudis to get into the taxi business, which will in turn boost the rate of Saudization in the transport sector,” sources in the ministry have been quoted as saying by local media.
As of now, it is illegal for anyone to use private vehicles as taxis, and the relaxation in the rules will boost employment among nationals.
The sources said that popular firms in the taxi-transport business could be given licenses and used as a medium between Saudi cabbies and passengers. “This is possible after the the taxi firms comply with rules.”
Seven companies are working in this field after meeting all the requirements and regulations; this is being seen in a positive light as it has reduced congestion.
The Labor and Transport Ministries reached an agreement late last month that public drivers’ visas would not be issued, as part of efforts to ensure Saudization in the sector. The ministries also agreed that a study should be conducted to determine the needs of the market; and that the car rental sector should be categorized as a transport activity rather than wholesale or retail.
The other measures agreed by the two ministries include that the names of all transport activities must be standardized between the two ministries, covering transport of passengers and goods inside and outside cities, and abroad.