Dubai’s RTA to offer public taxis via car app Careem

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has signed an agreement with taxi-booking app Careem as part of which passengers will now be able to book public taxis via the app.

The service, which will be in accordance with the laws applicable to taxi and limousine services in the emirate, will allow customers access to about 9,841 taxicabs and 4,700 limousines, a statement said.

The move is part of the RTA’s integrated mobility platform project which it is currently undertaking in Dubai.

The platform aims to provide customers an “easy access to all transit means” in Dubai through a smart app, the statement said.

All of RTA’s multi-modal transit systems including the metro, tram, buses, marine transit means, and taxis will be integrated with limo service providers, Palm Monorail and Dubai Trolley as part of the platform.

The integration of these platforms is expected to be completed by the end of next year and will be undertaken via several phases.

“The RTA intends to enhance the partnership with the private sector and invites all online booking companies to join this drive aimed at realising the objective of delivering smart services to customers,” the statement said.

Also read: RTA to launch own payment app with Uber and Careem

Mudassir Sheikha, founder and managing director of Careem added: “The partnership with RTA is a huge stride for Careem, and we are keen on supporting RTA’s efforts towards developing smooth mobility solutions for customers.”

Careem and rival Uber have seen operations in the Middle East and North Africa grow strongly in recent months. However, they face problems with licensing issues in certain markets.

In August, both the operators suspended services in Abu Dhabi after many of their drivers were reportedly held by authorities over regulatory violations.

However, Careem resumed services in three days after it said it had received “complete assurance” from the authorities on the legal standing of its operations in Abu Dhabi.

Read more: Careem resumes Abu Dhabi operations, Uber services still offline

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