Careem, the prominent multi-service app in the region, has announced the expansion of its strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) to enhance transportation services for railway passengers on SAR's North and East lines.
Under the agreement, Careem will increase its presence by establishing new dedicated pick-up and drop-off areas near the main entrances and exits at five additional train stations. This initiative aims to streamline the travel experience for intercity commuters using SAR stations across the Kingdom.
Ahmad Arrabi, Careem’s General Manager for ride-hailing in Saudi Arabia, expressed enthusiasm about continuing the collaboration with SAR, emphasizing the commitment to enhancing everyday commutes. The designated Careem pick-up and drop-off areas at train stations are expected to provide customers with a more convenient and seamless experience when booking rides to and from the stations.
Engineer Khaled Al Harbi, Senior Vice President (Passenger) at Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR), highlighted SAR's dedication to delivering exceptional services to commuters across the Kingdom's rail networks. He emphasized SAR's strategy of forming impactful partnerships to enhance the travel experience, both within SAR stations and trains and during passengers' journeys to and from the stations.
The recently launched Phase 2 of the partnership expands Careem's presence to additional stations on SAR's North and East lines, including Al-Majmaah, Hail, Jauf, Qurayyat on the North line, and Abqaiq on the East line. This extension follows the success of Phase 1, initiated in September 2021, which focused on providing convenient and reliable access to Careem rides at SAR's North and East Train stations.
The expansion of this partnership aligns with the growing preference for railway transportation among domestic travelers in the Kingdom. In the first half of 2023, SAR reported transporting over 4.4 million commuters, marking an 84% increase compared to the same period in the previous year. Careem's decision to extend the partnership underscores the importance of enhancing transportation options for commuters traveling to and from train stations.
Careem, which launched its ride-hailing services in Saudi Arabia in 2013, has expanded its operations to cover 26 cities across the Kingdom. The app, often referred to as the Everything App, provides a range of services, including ride-hailing, bike rentals, and food delivery. The expansion of its strategic partnership with SAR further solidifies Careem's commitment to providing innovative and reliable transportation solutions for customers in Saudi Arabia.
