The new technology was introduced in September last year requiring drivers to install taximeters with GPS in their cars, linking with passengers in need of taxi cabs services.
Taxi-meters are installed with a fare measuring device that automatically records and indicates at any time the amount to be paid by passengers in accordance with distances traveled, the speed and the durations of occupation of the vehicle. It has been recently upgraded to contain a GPS.
According to Eng. Emmanuel Asaba Katabarwa, the Head of Transport Department at RURA, 15 taxicabs were netted for not using taxi-meters.
“Today, we have caught 15 taxicabs not using taximeters but the operation will continue. Whoever we find driving the car with a passenger while the taximeter machine is turned off, is immediately caught,” Eng. Katabarwa said.
“This device helps increase driver’s efficiency. It also provides valuable information on taxi-cab activities, such as their daily profit. This can be a helpful tool while applying for a loan, “said Eng. Katabarwa adding that taximeters have been adapted in order to be easily handled for drivers who do not know to read and write.
Jean Baptiste Habimana, a taxi operator told IGIHE, “Sometimes a driver turns it on and he forgets to turn it off after the passenger has left the car. We need more time to adapt to this new technology but also to introduce it to our customers.”
Taxi drivers who do not use their taximeters are liable to a Rwf200,000 in fines.
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