Riyadh — Saudi women are now able to drive family taxis as the rules governing the operation have been activated, the Public Transport Authority (PTA) announced on Wednesday.

Licenses for family taxis are issued to only registered companies not individuals. Only qualified Saudi women are allowed to drive these taxis.

Under the rules and regulations approved by the PTA, women drivers cannot take passengers if there is no adult Saudi woman among them. Under the rules, no men or young male children will be allowed to occupy the front seats.

Licensed transport companies must have an electronic payment system and GPS navigation.

The regulations do not prevent Saudi women from working in any other road transport activities as long as the necessary conditions and controls are met.

The establishments involved in the family transport activity should have a fleet of at least 10 vehicles. Cars should not be more than five years old.

The car should also have a screen displaying all the required data such as the driver’s name, the name of the establishment with all its contact numbers and the plate number. — SG