Careem starts bus service from Jeddah to Makkah

Careem, the Dubai-based ride-hailing company recently acquired by Uber Technologies, has started a bus service between Jeddah and Makkah for SAR 25 ($6.7) each way.

The company will start with 13-seat buses, it said in a statement.

“Careem Bus will revolutionize mass transportation across Saudi Arabia and bring a new level of sophistication and price to our customers,” said Hadeer Shalaby, director of Careem Bus.

“The 13-seater service has been a huge success in Egypt, easing traffic flows and providing a safe and efficient way to commute.”

Careem Bus is the first app-based mass transportation bus service in Saudi Arabia and is part of Careem’s “ongoing commitment to solving transportation issues, improving mobility and creating jobs”, the statement said.

Customers can book through a separate Careem Bus app, but walk-on passengers will be accepted. The service is currently cash only, but will be soon available through several payment methods, including by credit card or Careem wallet.