In order to make taxis available more easily, transport authorities have launched a new initiative to create taxi ranks in various parts of this west Asian metropolis.

Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is going to create taxi ranks at 51 important locations in the city, an RTA statement said.

Once these ranks are created, commuters will know where to go to get a taxi.

In case a taxi is not available at the rank, a hotline number can be called and the nearest available taxi will be sent to that rank.

This service would play a key role in providing more taxis for passengers faster and more effectively, especially with the high demand for this service during the tourist season, Hussein Al Banna, director of traffic department at Dubai's Traffic & Roads Agency, said in the statement.

The new service is the latest in a series of initiatives by the RTA to streamline public transport in this fast growing city.

In September 2009, the first phase of the new Dubai metro will become operational.

Tram and monorail projects are also under way.