Taxi fares spiral in Makkah

Taxi fares in Makkah have significantly increased due to the Ramadan rush, particularly at the time when the holy month is coming to an end.
Drivers are overcharging those who have come to Makkah to perform Umrah, particularly on the route to and from the Holy Mosque during rush hours, when they have to spend more time to cover the same distance than during off-peak hours.
The newspaper said that these drivers overcharge because they are unable transport a greater number of passengers.
Salim Al-Hamadi, who has come to Makkah from Riyadh with his family, said the drivers are charging heavily and they exploit peak hours, particularly before iftar and suhoor.
He said that one of the drivers demanded SR200 to transport him and his family from Sharaeh district to the Grand Mosque.
Jamal Ahmad, who has been driving a taxi for seven years, said that driving is one of the most difficult and tiresome lines of work as it requires more time. 
When the passenger goes to the Holy Mosque, other passengers cannot be transported because traffic police do not allow them to stop and wait for passengers because it obstructs traffic movement.
The manager of a car rental company said that the drivers of taxis have to pay SR150 every day to the car owner. Everything received above that is their earning.