Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority (RTA), in collaboration with Ekar and Udrive, has launched a carshare service – the first of its kind in the Middle East.
Ekar and Udrive will launch a fleet of 100 vehicles each, mainly comprising of regular sedans..
Half of the Ekar’s vehicle fleet is based around Dubai’s metro stations, whilst the rest is distributed throughout popular locations like Dubai Silicon Oasis, The Green Community etc.
To utilize the service, residents need to register with Ekar or Udrive by submitting their ID, driving license and credit card details. On the other hand, visitors are asked to submit their passport, Visa, driving license and credit card details.
Cars can be booked using Ekar’s innovative apps or website for AED 30 per hour. For every carshare, up to 17 privately owned vehicles will be staying at home, thus positively contributing to the environment.
Cars can be booked for a minimum period of 10 minutes up to a maximum of 6 hours. Once the journey has completed, the vehicle can be dropped off at either the same place from where it was picked up or at any specified Ekar station in the city for an additional cost of AED 6.
UDrive, which happens to be rental by the minute service too, also offers rent a car service through its app for 40 fils per minute.
How does it work?
Download Udrive or ekar mobile apps
Register by uploading Emirates ID, driving licence, credit card and a selfie
Save the Personal Identification Number
Log In using the user ID and password
Locate the car using the map in the app
Unlock the car using an icon in the app
Feed the Pin in the device connected to the car
Start the car and drive