Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has inaugurated the Smart Rental Service, the first of its kind in the Middle East, enabling customers to rent cars for short periods not exceeding six hours via smart apps.

 To do so, RTA has contracted with U Drive and ekar companies to operate 200 vehicles (100 each) at a fare ranging from 40 to 50 fils per minute (according to the location of returning the vehicle) i.e. Dh24 ($6.5) to Dh30 per hour.

In a speech delivered during the service inauguration ceremony, which took place nearby the Dubai Water Canal in the presence of CEOs and Directors, Al Tayer said,

“The smart rental service supports RTA’s efforts to bring happiness to people and increase the ridership of public transport means,” said Mattar Al Tayer, director general and chairman of RTA.

“The service also aims to enhance the integration of mass transit systems through easing the mobility of commuters, especially metro and tram riders, to their final destinations. The service, which is offered to customers starting from January 16, enables the rental of vehicles for short periods not exceeding six hours via smart apps on mobile phones and tablets. At a later stage, the service would be available through the Integrated Mobility Platform in Dubai.

“Vehicles are deployed over 45 locations including five main locations at Dubai Metro stations namely: Rashidiya, Burjuman, Ibn Battuta, Union, and Business Bay Stations. RTA would beef-up the fleet of smart rental cars through a tender, and assess the map for deploying vehicles guided by the results of the initial operation phase as well as customers’ preferences. RTA would also mull the provision of the service using environment-friendly electric or hybrid vehicles,” commented Al Tayer.

“The hourly car rental system provides bespoke alternative transit means for public transport riders in Dubai that goes with their needs and requirements, and offers them access to the best global practices of car-sharing of rented vehicles, besides providing highly efficient and cost-effective transit means.

“RTA had made prior coordination with the Dubai Police General HQ to ensure that the companies licensed to practice the Hourly Car Rental Service satisfy all the security procedures applicable to the car rental system. This includes registration in the Online Information System of Car Rental Offices, and linking their online systems with the information system of car rental offices,” he added.

Abdulla Yousef Al Ali, CEO of Public Transport Agency said, “The smart rental service is limited to certain areas in Dubai, and is offered via smart apps by two companies: U Drive UAE and ekar. UAE-resident customers should first register in the system to avail the service by entering ID, driving license and credit card details, in addition to a photo of the ID holder (to verify registration in the system). Visitors are required to enter passport, visa, driving license and credit card details.”

“Upon validating the accuracy of data provided, the customer is issued with a Personal Identification Number (PIN), before he or she can enter the user name and password. The customer can now track the cars available and then book one. The car door is opened by clicking an icon in the smart App and is switched on by entering the (PIN) in the device fitted in the vehicle. The vehicle can be locked through the Smart App and parked at RTA’s parking lots only. The bill will be dispatched to customers via the e-system,” he added. – TradeArabia News Service