DUBAI 17 November 2019: Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has signed a contract with Careem whereby the latter will operate 3,500 bicycles across 350 smart docking stations in Dubai. The service marks the first bicycle-pool phased program of its kind in the region.
The agreement was signed by Mattar Al Tayer, RTA Director-General and Chairman, and Mudassir Sheikha, Co-Founder and CEO of Careem.
Careem will operate 1,750 bikes and install 175 stations during the first two years of the contract, which runs for 15 years. In the following five years, the operation will grow to 3,500 bikes and 350 docking stations.
Careem will use a smart system to track bicycles, predict high occupancy areas, and connect all bicycles through GPS. It will implement environmental sustainability methods through operating solar-powered bicycle racks and connecting them to a wireless network. Customers can hire and pay for bike rides through Careem Bike app.
The service covers several Dubai hotspots such as the Marina, Jumeirah, Dubai Water Canal, Deira, Al Khawaneej and Al Qudra. It will also be available at safe roads of four districts namely Al Qusais, Al Mankhoul, Al Karama, and Al Barsha. The speed limit on dedicated cycling lanes or safe roads is fixed at 40 kph; which is safe for riders.
Bikes are offered for use in a variety of options ranging from daily to annual use at affordable rates, whether being regular or pedal-assisted bikes.
Al Tayer said cycling helps people to pursue an active lifestyle and enhance mobility options. It also contributes to RTA’s efforts to enhance the integration of different transit modes and provide solutions for the First and Last-Mile challenge enabling public transport riders to reach their final destinations.
“Over the past years, RTA had constructed cycling tracks extending 274 km in several places like Saih Assalam, Bab Ashams, Al Qudra, Mushrif, Mirdif, Al Khawaneej and Dubai Water Canal as well as several streets such as Jumeirah, King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Al Mankhool Streets. The total length of cycling tracks in Dubai is expected to reach about 631.7 km by 2023,” he added.
Mudassir Shaikha said Careem Bike offers mobility means to riders of buses, metro and tram in Dubai covering the first and last mile. Moreover, biking is a healthy practice that eases the congestion in the city and promotes healthy lifestyles. We are thrilled to roll out the first product for micro mobility in Dubai with our trusted transit partner, RTA.
“We will work with PBSC Urban Solutions to provide solar-powered docking stations fitted with WiFi service. The Company was selected for its reputation and high standing in bike-sharing systems worldwide. It provides services to clients in London, Barcelona and New York,” added Shaikha.
