Careem launches limo service in Capital
abu dhabi — Careem has launched a new limousine service in Abu Dhabi starting today, the online ride-sharing company has announced.
Using Careem’s ‘Drive Now’ service, users will be able to book ondemand rides from ‘Careem Limo.’
The new service will be operated under the regulations for limo services in Abu Dhabi, making Careem the only ride-hailing app service in the capital.
Careem and its US counterpart Uber had suspended their operations on August 27, 2016 for four days. While Uber is yet to resume service, Careem cars started plying on the capital’s streets on a ‘skeleton basis’ since August 31.
Though the reasons for suspension were not clear, Mohammed Darwish Al Qamzi, general-manager of the Centre for Regulation of Transport by Hire Cars (TransAd), had said the new regulations will be introduced on the cab-hailing apps.
According to the new regulations, apps like Uber and Careem must follow the pricing schemes of luxury hiring services and also provide a list of drivers and cars to Transad, reported Reuters. The official said there were illegal drivers who were over-charging customers, an allegation denied by the companies in question.
On launching the new Careem Limo service, Aura Lunde, generalmanager of Careem UAE said: “Abu Dhabi is a special market for Careem — being home to many of our team members as well as being the second ever city launched when we first started out in 2012. Our mission is to simplify and improve the lives of people. We are fully committed to offering a great service for people in the UAE Capital, as well as supporting our captains who are the lifeblood of our business. “
Lunde added that they will continue to work in close partnership with the local authorities to enhance the transportation network for all residents and visitors to Abu Dhabi and that hope to introduce new services in the near future.”