Careem and RTA’s e-hail taxi JV a world-first
Careem Networks Company (Careem) and the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) say their new e-hail taxi joint venture will be the first service of its kind that is owned and operated by a government transport authority and a private entity specialised in the world.
In a statement, the two companies said the new company will provide e-hail taxi services to customers beginning in April 2019 with the name and logo due to be announced in the next few months. The e-hail taxi market for limousines will remain open to existing operators without any change, confirmed the RTA.
“This partnership is the first of its kind worldwide between a government transport authority and a private entity specialised in the taxi e-hail business. It sets a model of an excellent partnership in running comprehensive public transport systems shared between the public and private sectors,” said Mattar Al Tayer, director-general and chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA. “The e-hail has become the most effective tool of matching the supply with demand, and offering clients a smooth experience in obtaining taxis.”
“Careem’s journey to simplify and improve the lives of people in the region started here in Dubai – this is Careem’s home, its source of inspiration,” added Mudassir Sheikha, co-founder and managing director of Careem. “Over the last six years, the technology that we have developed here in Dubai has delivered hundreds of millions of rides and transformed the way people move around in 120 cities in our region.
“Entering into this exciting public-private-partnership with the RTA will allow us to use that technology to make Dubai’s sophisticated transportation infrastructure even more accessible and convenient. Combining our technology capability with RTA’s vast industry knowledge, we will build a platform that delivers broader choice, optimum customer experiences and reliable, safe transportation for everyone.”
