How to Review Taxi Fares via Mobile Apps in Saudi Arabia

By introducing a new mechanism to examine and control taxi rates via smartphone apps, Saudi Arabia has moved once again toward a transparent and updated transportation system.

Fare Review

Under supervision by the Transport General Authority (TGA) and approved by the Ministry of Transport and Logistics, this project seeks to raise fare consistency, simplify the fare adjustment procedure, and improve openness for operators as well as passengers.

Policy Update

The official government periodical of Saudi Arabia , Umm Al-Qura, recently reported on the unveiling of this project together with a modification to the policy controlling public transportation fare determination. Saleh Al-Jasser, the Minister of Transport and Logistics, presented a revision to Chapter Six's paragraph 30 of the current policy framework as part of this adjustment, The revised policy presents a new "review and approval" system for fare changes, therefore establishing a disciplined approach to fare control that strikes a compromise between passenger interests and operational concerns of taxi service providers.

Mandatory Compliance

The amendment lists two primary paths for fare proposals: those started by the TGA and those recommended by businesses running digital ride-hailing apps, Under this structure, the TGA is in charge of creating proposals for taxi fares, which are then sent to the Ministry of Transport and Logistics for last approval, Companies who oversee electronic ride-hailing apps will then independently suggest fare policies and pricing schemes, which the TGA will consider before approval. While guaranteeing consistency and control from the ministry, this dual-approach method lets both the TGA and private sector institutions help to determine fares.

These changes have as their main objective a balanced strategy that benefits both passengers and taxi drivers, This approach is meant to standardize pricing to more precisely represent current market dynamics and operating expenses, hence reducing fare conflicts, Saudi Arabia wants to establish a fair environment for drivers and operators, who gain from a stable regulatory environment, and for riders, who depend on clear and consistent fee information, by allowing a controlled yet flexible system.

This new system's main emphasis is on licensed taxi businesses and ride-hailing app operators following established fare rates, All authorised operators must update and post fare information for public viewing once these prices are finalised, therefore guaranteeing that passengers are always notified of the most recent rates prior to ride booking.

Because consumers can see that fares are methodically checked, controlled, and constant across platforms, this openness is supposed to build trust among them. Moreover by requiring the showing of revised fares, Saudi officials seek to prevent unannounced fare adjustments, therefore enabling passengers to feel more confident in using taxis and ride-hailing services as a dependable means of transportation.

Vision 2030

This action is a part of a larger dedication of the Saudi government to include digital solutions into public services and match the goals of Vision 2030, the long-term development strategy of the Kingdom. Vision 2030 stresses in all spheres, including transportation, the need of technology development, improved openness, and a customer-oriented strategy based on technologies. The implementation of a mobile-based fee review system guarantees that the transportation industry stays flexible enough to meet the demands of a technologically advanced society and protects fair pricing policies in line with these objectives.

Apart from guaranteeing fare transparency, the new policy structure provides a consistent procedure for handling fare-related grievances or discrepancies, therefore tackling a previously difficult area in the Saudi taxi industry, Passengers should expect less variation between stated fares and actual costs given well defined rules for fare proposals and a strong review and approval procedure. 

By including private sector operators and regulatory authorities in the fare-setting process, Saudi Arabia's new fare assessment system marks a dramatic turn toward a more open, technologically driven transportation sector, The Kingdom aims to create a fair but competitive environment that benefits all stakeholders, from passengers to service providers, Reflecting the Kingdom's commitment to a contemporary, open, customer-centric public services strategy, this project establishes it as a leader in tailoring transportation services to a digital future.