ITC installs protective barriers in Abu Dhabi taxis

Mohamed Alaa, Staff Reporter

The Integrated Transportation Centre (ITC) in Abu Dhabi has started installation of a transparent plasic barries in the fleet of taxis operating in the emirate. The plastic barrier is installed between the driver and the passengers in the back seat.

The move comes as part of a series of precautionary and preventive measures aimed at ensuring the health and safety of society, and the highest levels of protection for its users.

ITC stressed that procedure would provide full isolation between drivers and passengers to ensure maintenance of the health protective measures, and to avoid contact between drivers and customers. The transparent curtain that separates the driver’s seat and the back seat in the vehicle allows communication between the driver and passengers without touch to ensure full protection for both the driver and passenger.

“As part of the intensive precautionary measures taken to curb the spread of Coronavirus, passengers only sit in the back seat of taxi vehicles, while sanitizers are available on board for both drivers and passengers,” ITC added.

Separately, Dubai’s Permanent Committee of Labour Affairs, PCLA, has distributed COVID-19 awareness guides to workers, drivers and accommodation supervisors, across 500 companies in the emirate.

The guidelines are part of the PCLA’s efforts to conduct awareness campaigns and initiatives on safety and preventative measures undertaken to curb the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

According to a statement by the PCLA, this latest campaign targeted companies across the Emirate of Dubai, labour accommodation sites and workplaces, to ensure their health and safety, and raising understanding and awareness on COVID-19 health risks, and means to prevent the spread of infection.

PCLA Chairman Major General Obaid Muhair bin Surour stated that the committee is always keen on ensuring that individuals working in Dubai are provided with the best working and living conditions to ensure their safety. Bin Surour is also the Deputy Director-General of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs.

PLCA teams carried out field visits to workers at their accommodation beginning 15th March 2020, providing individuals with educational materials and guides on preventative measures to protect themselves against coronavirus, and to ensure that they are familiar with health and safety regulations.