By Ramesh Mathew
The so-called “limousine” services were once seen as a viable alternative to taxis as they provided timely and efficient services. However, the perception seems to be changing gradually as complaints, mainly regarding overcharging, have started coming in from commuters.
There have reportedly been several cases of “limousine” drivers indulging in arguments and even coming close to blows with potential customers over the issue of fares.
Many residents of Doha and its neighbourhoods had welcomed the arrival of a number of “limousine” services over the last few months. Tired of “erratic” taxi operations and the “high-handedness” of cabbies, they saw in the “limousine” services a more reliable option despite being generally costlier. This was also because commuters felt the “limousine” drivers had better knowledge of Qatar’s roads than many cabbies.
While many of these “limousine” services continue to be preferred by customers, who make bookings over phone, there are some operators who are seemingly indulging in practices that have drawn the ire of commuters.
As in the case of taxis, “limousines” too are allowed to collect and drop passengers at many places, including some shopping malls, but they are barred from collecting waiting customers along the roads, it has been learnt from industry insiders.
However, in violation of the rules, many “limousine” operators are reportedly collecting customers from places where they are prevented from operating.
“As a result, heated arguments among the ‘limousine’ operators themselves and sometimes between them and cabbies have become a common sight at some major shopping locations in the city,” said a resident.
Residents have also reported heated verbal fights among limousine operators in crowded city locations over soliciting customers.
The biggest complaint against the “limousine” operators pertains to the fares they charge.
Recently, a woman complained that most limousine operators levied fares based on their whims. “While I usually pay QR15 from Mansoura to go to an office on Bank Street, a ‘limousine’ driver asked for QR25. When I protested, he started shouting at me and finally settled for QR20,” she said, narrating her unpleasant experiences with some “limousine” operators in recent weeks.
More such complaints are pouring in these days about the operators.
In view of this, some residents have appealed to the taxi regulators to instruct the “limousine” operators to instal fare meters in their vehicles. As an aggrieved commuter argued: “Why should limousines be exempted from running on meters?”
Recently, a senior official of a taxi franchisee said their company was considering to appeal to the Karwa authorities to put restrictions on the operations of limousines at the earliest.
“The authorities should either stop issuing more ‘limousine’ permits or ask them (‘limousine’ operators) to instal fare meters,” he said, complaining that several limousine operators seemed to be “above the law” these days.
At the same time, many commuters feel that some of the new entrants in the “limousine” market are providing better service than most cabbies. “At least their drivers are more familiar with roads and important places than many cabbies, who have little understanding of even city locations,” said a commuter.
