Sharekni, the RTA’s official carpooling service, has been left in doldrums as the authority has stopped issuing ridesharing permits to motorists. When I opened the Sharekni site today, it said,
“In our efforts to provide you with the best possible services, we will be shutting down Sharekni service, from 20th December 2017. Moreover, no new sharekni permits will be issued after this date. However, all issued permits before 20th December 2017 will be valid till their expiry date mentioned in the permit but they will not be renewed,” reads the notice.
This makes it clear that RTA is working on alternatives to make the service better. Carpooling isn’t legal for motorists without permits and those who have it can provide this service until it expires.
Talking to Gulf News, a senior RTA official verified that Sharekni has been suspended.
“RTA has currently suspended Sharekni or the car-sharing services, we are studying other effective alternatives to cater to the public demand,” said Mohammad Abu Bakr Al Hashemi, Director, Planning and Business Development at RTA’s Public Transport Agency.
He remarked that the RTA persuades travelers to employ public transport and other smart ways.
“RTA has introduced various services which include ‘Smart Car Rental’, taxis, limousine and E-Hail services to help commuters reach their destinations and connect with different public transport modes. We encourage commuters to use public transport and other smart alternatives,” said Al Hashemi.
Please note running an illegal transport service can land carpooling operators in trouble where they can be fined between Dh5,000 and Dh50,000.