Range Rovers, bikes to lift taxi experience
dubai — Want to travel around Dubai in comfort and style? The Dubai Taxi Corporation (DTC) has launched two luxury taxi services — convertible Range Rovers and Can-Am Spyder RT limo bikes — at the Mena Transport Congress in Dubai on Monday.
“The metallic black 2018 Range Rover Evoque drop-top, a head turner because of its association with fashion and high culture, is targeted towards the young upwardly mobile segment of Dubai who are looking for a unique luxurious commute experience that many have come to expect in Dubai,” DTC CEO Dr Yousef Mohammed Al Ali told Khaleej Times on the sidelines of the regional transport congress organised by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and the International Association of Public Transport.
Al Ali said the two convertible Range Rovers have been rolled out at key locations in Dubai including Jumeirah Beach Residence, The Walk, Downtown Dubai and at Burj Al Arab. “People can book it (convertible limo service) through RTA’s S’hail app or Careem,” Al Ali said.
The DTC and the Dubai-based ride-hailing app signed an agreement on Monday to make both convertible limo and limo bikes available
We are in the trial phase with two Range Rovers for six months and we are looking at increasing the number of convertible limos to 50, depending on the demand.” Dr Yousef Mohammed Al Ali, CEO, DTC
on Careem. Al Ali said the flag down rate for the Range Rover service is Dh25 and fare is Dh5 per kilometre. The tariff is also dependent on peak and non-peak hours while Salik charge will be shouldered by the passenger.
“We are in the trial phase with two Range Rovers for six months and we are looking at increasing the number of convertible limos to 50, depending on the demand,” Al Ali said.
As for the more adventurous type, the DTC is also offering a couple of Can-Am Spyder RT limo bikes.
“The three-wheeled motorcycle manufactured by Bombardier Recreational Products will serve as the first and last mile solutions for people going to the Metro or around tourist hubs like the JBR, Downtown Dubai or The Walk,” Abdallah Al Ali, head of workshop at the DTC, told Khaleej Times.
“By riding the limo bikes, we want our passengers to ‘feel and see’ Dubai but safety comes first that’s why we will require them to wear a full-face helmet with Bluetooth capability. The passenger will also wear a jacket with airbag while the driver will wear a jacket with cooling capability,” he added.
Al Ali also noted that limo bikes are not allowed for passengers below 16 years old, pregnant women, men in kandura or women in abaya; and those who are sick or intoxicated.
Timmur Muhhamed, motorcycle diver at the DTC, said passengers can be picked from and sent to anywhere in Dubai. The flag down rate is Dh10 and rate is Dh1 per minute after the first 10 minutes. “The three-wheeled limo bike has a single rear drive wheel and two wheels in front for steering, similar in layout to a modern snowmobile. It can go up to 200kmph but of course, we will go within city speed limits,” he added.
Limo bikes can also be booked via Careem or S’hail. At present only two Can-Am Spyder RT for the trial phase but more will be added as the demand increases, the DTC said.