Taxi Service Characteristics and Involvement in Road Traffic Accidents in Riyadh

Abstract

Riyadh, the capital of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is a modern fast growing city of some three million people. While some elements of the transport system have developed to a modern, up-to-date standard, other elements are still in a state of transition. Taxi service, while always an important part of the transportation system, has experienced many changes over the past decade. Available information seems to indicate that taxis are involved in a disproportionate number of traffic accidents, when compared with other vehicles operating on the same roadway system. This study, however, found that this is not true when a measure of exposure is taken into account. This paper presents some of the basic characteristics of the taxi service operating in Riyadh and analyzes the types of accidents in which taxis are involved. The study is based upon a survey sample of both taxi drivers and taxi companies, as well as reported traffic accidents in which taxis were involved. The paper concludes with several recommendations for actions that would help reduce the number of taxi related traffic accidents.