The nightmare of taxis in Qatar
When I moved to Doha I was set upon getting a driving license as soon as I could. I haven’t gotten it to this date. Ironical, because as inclined as I was toward driving in Qatar, now I prefer going by taxis or alternate commute here.
Can you guess the reason? I bet everyone who drives here knows it. The traffic has worsened and traffic etiquette has declined right before our eyes. Going by some road antics of drivers, it makes me wonder, I could be better than them on the road, but they are exactly what I don’t want to encounter. If being alert is the biggest driving skill, it’s tantamount to being downright stressed just to cope with the unpredictable behavior of incoming traffic. Such unruly drivers are not rampant, but they still come out of nowhere when you least expect it.
Traffic in Doha, by Klent Michael Real
My alternate means of commuting has been taxis. But by no means has it been a bed of roses. I’ve had good taxi days, and I’ve had terrible taxi days. The worst one was when I booked a taxi to visit a friend, then had to cancel it because my friend’s son got sick and had to be admitted to the hospital. I’d canceled the taxi well in time, ten hours before it was scheduled previously. However, it still showed up. When I explained to the driver on the phone that I don’t need to go, and had canceled it, he became rude and said that was impossible. I thought I’d get some groceries done, since the taxi was there and the driver was not willing to accept that it had been canceled. I went to the nearest grocery store and requested the petulant driver to wait ten minutes while I quickly shopped. He declined and said he had important things to do. I requested again that I won’t be long, and he said he’ll wait, but not more than ten minutes.
I took ten minutes in buying the groceries, but the taxi was nowhere to be seen when I was done. I walked back home and phoned the company to complain about the driver’s behavior. I don’t know if complaining is any good, or if the grumpy drivers are checked on their behavior.
Photo by Joseph Suasin
Then there was the time when I was praying for my life throughout the taxi ride, because the driver was cruising it at a super speed, uncomfortably jerking the car in twists and turns on the slightest of bends. All this, despite my protests and requests. I guess threats would have been a better option. I’ve had my fair share of rude taxi drivers, which makes me swear each time that I’m never going by taxi again. The most recent one was when the driver had reached but not to the exact location. I tried to explain to him where to come, but he refused and said, “Come if you want, but if you don’t then I’m leaving.” And he hung up. I had to walk several blocks to find him parked there, and I did give him a piece of my mind. But at the end of the day, I really wish I didn’t have to deal with blockheads like him at all!
The other half of the story is that most of the times it’s a smooth ride and the drivers are polite (even if they don’t know directions, which is the alarmingly common case nowadays). I wish it were like that all the time. After having several unpleasant incidents on taxis, it makes me cringe to even think about requesting the next one. It makes me almost decide to start driving. But then I cringe at the thought of reckless stunt drivers on the road, and parking hassles.
Photo by Fadhu Clicks
So what do you think? To drive or not to drive? Assuming the pros and cons are present in both, the cons are cringeworthy in both. The pros of driving are that you are the master of your own time and vehicle. You can plan ahead of events and traffic hassles to reach in time. You have the freedom to move around and search places, or change plans accordingly.
What do you think? Is driving more stressful? And would you consider switching to taxis or alternate commute to avoid driving stress? And what are some ways to practically improve driving in Qatar? Increasing parking spaces everywhere is one. Share your opinions and experiences.
Cover photo by Ayaz Ahmad
Rizks says he's looking forward to Qatar Rail.. Great way of meeting women and getting from A to B
wait for Qatar Rail soon in action..
A tough life .....................
Your experiences with taxis are valid and something needs to be done - on both sides. It should start with proper training and an authority which holds the responsible for providing good customer service - akin to the UAE
As for driving .. Must disagree with you slightly. Yes, the are bad drivers here .. But that is the same all over the world.. Most of us don't look at our own driving habits , yet are too ready to blame others .. Having driven in many countries around the world , including Saidi Arabia , I have no real issues with driving here in Qatar.. What is lacking in many instances is enforcement of rules by the authorities
Thank you all, for your input.
Yes, defensive driving is the need of the hour.
I agree with your point of view, acchabaccha. About the people who feel it's beneath their dignity, that sounds immature for anyone who does think that, and I hope it wasn't a personal attack on me :) everyone has reasons and intentions you cannot even fathom, behind their decisions.
It's easy to discredit my experiences as mere 'unlucky' ones. But I assure you, after years of patience with taxis, I have finally given up after more unpleasant experiences than pleasant ones recently (I'm talking about regular use). If I am misguided, please point me in the right direction, instead of calling me delusional :P
Of course driving is a skill of synchronicity on the road with other drivers. I meant the unruly ones in particular, which are increasing, and certainly pose a road hazard. So let's agree to disagree on this one. Also, how would you see the incidences I mentioned in the case of ladies? I have many lady friends and acquaintances who had similar experiences with rude taxi drivers. I do believe that is a detriment to the taxi industry. If women don't feel safe in public commuting, what's the point?
Please mention the companies who have courteous drivers. Manners and kindness are what this world lacks, and it would be a welcome sight to see more of these. I know how taxi drivers are paid, and always tip them. But I don't like sneaky tricks like their asking for more than what shows on the meter, and of course, rude behavior is a pet peeve for me.
I did say there are pleasant incidences as well. But if there is potential for improvement, why not work together to achieve it? Instead of just debating about it, let's find solutions.
Are you implying that absolutely no changes are required? I am impressed by the traffic rules, but where I see drivers at fault, I shall certainly show my concern.
And lastly, everyone saying I should compare it to MY country's traffic scene, I'm all for it. If it brings any solutions to the table, bring it on! All I can say is, I was commenting on the situation in the country where we are all present (I assume most people on this site are in Qatar), as it affects us directly. Anyone wanting to broaden it into a debate with their respective countries, you're welcome. But I don't see the point in it, unless I am commuting on all those roads daily. When I go back to my home country, I will most certainly discuss it daily :)
The post is absolutely lopsided. It does not portray the true picture of the taxi service available in Doha. It simply reflects one man's bad experiences in hiring a taxi in this city. Possibly, he might have been a bit unlucky in finding the wrong taxi each time he took one. Things on the ground are not like that. First of all, people driving have their own style and decision-making powers. No two humans are the same. This is just like dealing with another human being. One has to understand the other person. That applies to driving also. As long as there are humans behind the wheel, one has to remain alert while he is driving. It is always possible that you could be making a mistake. How would the other drivers on the road feel or react about you?
Secondly, the writer firmly believes that Qatar roads should be absolutely safe, so safe that one could drive blindly and no accidents should take place at all. There is no such place on earth which could be that safe. Accidents take place in other countries also including the one of the writer of this post. Rules and regulations and enforced by governments for the safety of others. However, an accident is the result of human error and as humans we are bound to err. That is the law of nature.
Thirdly, there are many taxi drivers on the roads who are both courteous and careful. Try the limousines which are operated by several companies. The drivers of such limousines yearn to earn in a very competitive market. The only tool for attracting passengers is "courtesy." Not only that, if ones makes an agreement on the fare with the driver which most people do before boarding the taxi, there stands no chance of a dispute over the fare. Just to attract passengers and get business, they also charge somewhat lower than the Karwa taxis. Try them out, and your experience with taxis in Doha is bound to change for the better.
Lastly, whenever possible, I always find the Karwa bus very convenient. There are no issues with fare, with coming across careless or rude drivers, on finding a parking space, traffic violations etc. It also saves much on your cost and saves traffic congestion.
But then, there are many who think it is below their "dignity" to travel on a bus and sit beside people who earn a meager QR 2500 or lower.
That is the way of life.
I rather imagine that the majority of the people complaining are possibly more ' au fait ' with using donkeys to get one from A to B. Tiresome Jiggerboos.
I always wonder why peopl complain about the driving here - but don't look at the same issues in their own countries ..
Buy a motor bike to avoid traffic hassles.
What is "defensive driving", we heard, safe driving or careful driving. Is this a new from of driving?
Driving is always much better, but these days defensive driving is required.
The taxi drivers are coming "straight from Jungle", with no education, no etiquette, no politeness, no professionalism, nothing except a license. And when they talk, they talk nonsense.
On top of it, they are unfamiliar with the word "respect" for the customer.
Before the Karwa and the so called private taxi operators, there used to be private Yellow cabs, though old, yet offering excellent and the cheapest service to the commuters (In Qar. 10/15 you could roam around the entire Doha city).
You should wait for some more years for Tesla's electric and driver less car that shall definitely wipe out these Jungle people (taxi drivers).
Before you think about driving first consider whether you can even get a license. I tried for 1.5 year to no avail. What a waste of time and money. And also, even of you do come to conclusion about driving, get ready for some lovely experience at the driving school.
Did you complain ?
Did you pay him 100 riyals ?
We hopped on a cab once from she raton going to all saddle and the driver didn't turn on the meter and when we arrived he was asking 100 royals. That was the worse, and he even said "go complain my friend nothing is going to happen".
There is fault on both sides - Customer want cheap fares and quick rides; Drivers need to pay their sponsor a fixed anmount each day.
The answer is simple. Copy the UAEmodel. Win / Win for both sides