https://m.khaleejtimes.com/uae/dubai...e-ride-starts-

Dubai taxi passengers will no longer be taken on unnecessarily longer routes as they can now 'plug in' their destination and get the cost prior to the start of the ride.


This is part of the Road and Transport Authority's (RTA) new initiative, called 'Tech Taxi, which will allow all RTA taxi passengers to utilise value-added services via the free WiFi that is already available on board.


The RTA announced several new initiatives at this year's Gitex Technology Week, which is being held from October 6 to October 10 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.


"When they use the free WiFi for browsing, they will also get some value-added services. They can set their destination, instead of describing to the driver where they want to go. We are using Google technology for this," Khalid Al Awadi, the director of transportation system at RTA, told Khaleej Times.


"We are also integrating our services with Google for voice for translations, where 26 languages are available. This way, customers can speak with their driver in their language. The customer can also share their live location with their friends or family, so they can track them online.


"Online payment is available, too, and it can be made at the end of the journey."
The service is available on taxiconnected.ae and has already been introduced in 1,500 taxis.


Al Awadi said the goal is to expand it to all 10,000 taxis by the end of the year.
RTA taxis can also be ordered via the Careem app, which was announced earlier this year.