In the Spotlight: 'We Haven't Finished with Taxis, Now It's Couriers and Delivery Bikes'
It seems as though the nuisance caused by some ride-hailing drivers was not enough for us, as they have turned Kuwait’s streets into racing tracks, competing to pick up any passenger who stops them, without regard for the danger their actions pose to other road users, with their sudden turns and arbitrary stops.
Now, there is an exaggerated surge in delivery services, which has created a serious problem—not only due to their sheer numbers and congestion, but also because of the recklessness of most of their drivers, stemming from their lack of experience in safe driving. This has led to many tragic accidents involving them and others, particularly those driving motorcycles (“syaqels”).
The figures regarding their numbers are astonishing. The numbers are astronomical, and I cannot vouch for their exact accuracy. However, the total number of officially registered delivery companies stands at 1,977, of which approximately 1,000 are operational and active in consumer delivery and logistics services. Their workforce reaches about 70,000, with roughly 60,000 delivery vehicles, 70 percent of which are cars and 30 percent motorcycles (“syaqels”).
The problem is that most of these companies’ workforce lacks experience and has minimal knowledge of traffic priorities or driving ethics. They crowd each other and surprise others with sudden turns reminiscent of the old generation of taxi drivers. Even more dangerous are the motorcycle riders, who weave between cars on both sides without being noticed, thereby exposing themselves to traffic accidents for which they are often at fault.
It appears that the reward system for delivery agents, based on the number and speed of orders completed daily, creates psychological pressure on them due to fear of losing customer ratings, which could result in the loss of their financial incentives. This may be one of the reasons for their haste and disregard for traffic signals, necessitating an urgent change in this mechanism.
The importation of untrained labor by delivery companies, who are not familiar with local traffic laws or the nature of Kuwait’s roads, coupled with reliance on minimal driving tests, is another factor exacerbating their traffic problems. They are left roaming the streets without any tracking of their speed or sudden deviations via devices installed in their vehicles and directly connected to their operations centers.
The number of delivery vehicles is large, and their traffic problems are numerous. They literally confuse the roads with uncontrollable behaviors. It would be ideal if these companies were merged into a single joint-stock company committed to employing trained, experienced, and law-abiding car and motorcycle drivers.
We commend the Ministry of Interior for its “red-eye” campaign, which has taken firm and immediate action against the reckless individuals who disturbed residents and caused serious accidents to others, by crushing and tearing apart their cars and motorcycles, turning them into iron refrigerators before their eyes, so that they may learn a lesson and serve as an example to others. The traffic situation in Kuwait has reached a critical level that cannot be ignored or tolerated. We specifically urge security personnel to place some motorcycle riders under surveillance, out of precaution and fear of unforeseen consequences.
