Careem BUS has launched in Saudi Arabia with a direct service between Jeddah and Mecca.
Following on from the successful launch of Careem BUS in Egypt in December 2018, Careem has expanded operations to The Kingdom beginning with a direct bus link between Jeddah and Mecca for SR25 each way.
The service comes as part of Careem’s ongoing commitment to solving transportation issues, improving mobility and creating jobs and is ideal for people flying into Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah. The route has been approved by the Saudi Public Transport Authority.
Customers will be able to check the availability of the bus via the app, monitor its arrival and secure a seat. Walk-on passengers will also be accepted. The service is currently cash only, but soon passengers will be able to pay via several payment methods, such as the Careem wallet on the app, or by a registered credit card.
The service operates via a separate app from the ride hailing product and is available for download on iOS and Android. Customers can pick the bus that best suits their time and will be able to track the bus as it arrives, the same as when ordering a Careem car.
The buses are provided in partnership with vendors who employ the Captains, paying them a fixed monthly salary. Fares collected by the Careem BUS Captains go to Careem, while Careem pays the bus vendors a fixed daily amount, regardless of the number of trips they make.
Careem BUS in Jeddah offers buses with comfortable seats, headrests, and air conditioning. Careem also offers access to a Careem Care call centre (+966 920 033 786) to aid both customers and captains, answering their questions and solving their queries.
The introduction of Careem BUS will help Saudi Arabia with their Vision 2030 plan for Smart Cities, contributing to app-based integrated transport options. It also helps the government achieve their ambitions to reduce pollution and ease congestion, as every Careem BUS has the potential to represent 13 fewer cars on the road.
The service will initially start with 13-seater buses. Based on the feedback from customers, the service will look to add to its offerings to provide the easiest transport and mobility options for people in the Kingdom.