Gitex Technology Week saw a host of private companies and government authorities showcasing the latest technological advancements to benefit the Emirates. Dubai Transport Corporation (DTC) just unveiled a plan that may have you rethink your Uber dependence.
DTC, part of Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), showed off at Gitex a brand new plan to launch its own rent-a-car service. The service is hoped to be cheaper than both Uber and Careem, leading ride-hailing services in the region.
The as yet unnamed service is planned to be comprised of an app where users can hire a driver for as little as AED 40 per hour, along with a virtual Nol card service you can top up, similar to Dubai’s current metro system.
Similar to Uber which offers Select, Black, UberXL, One, and Chopper if you’re ambitious, the new service will offer a varied selection of vehicles depending on your requirements. Users can hire a driver in a Telsa, a family limo, a vehicle suited for people of determination (disabled), or a vehicle dedicated for female passengers.
Dr Al Ali CEO of DTC, told Gulf News: “We are more cost-effective than others as our limos and the technology we use are our own assets. There is no commission [that is passed on as additional cost to customer]. We also have promo codes for discounts and special rates for frequent users.”
He added that DTC app users can request a male or female driver, or a driver who speaks a particular language, such as Arabic, English, Urdu or Hindi.
Uber’s current fare estimation is done using distance covered, along with time spent in the vehicle, and adding flat booking fees and possible multipliers depending how busy it is. This new Dubai service is promising a flat fee, which means fewer nasty surprises for you when travelling!
This new service is expected to roll out to your DTC app by the end of the month (October 2019).
