Karachi, Careem, a leading service platform in the Middle East, has announced an expansion of its strategic partnership with Saudi Railways (SAR), aimed at enhancing the transportation experience for railway passengers traveling between the northern and eastern networks of Saudi Arabia.

According to Careem, the expanded agreement involves establishing new designated pick-up and drop-off areas at five additional train stations, located conveniently near the main entrances and exits. This move is set to significantly improve the travel experience for passengers commuting between cities via SAR train stations across the Kingdom.

Ahmed Orabi, General Manager of Personal Transportation Services at Careem in Saudi Arabia, expressed excitement about the continued collaboration with SAR. He emphasized Careem's commitment to enhancing daily transportation experiences and ensuring customer convenience when booking rides to and from SAR stations.

Engineer Khaled Al-Harbi, Senior Executive Vice President of the Passenger Sector at SAR, highlighted SAR's dedication to providing top-tier services to passengers. He pointed out that SAR's commitment extends to all aspects of the travel experience, from on-train comforts to services at stations, including cabin services for the night train on the Northern Railway network.

The initial phase of the partnership, launched in September 2021, focused on providing comfortable and reliable Careem rides at North Train stations in Riyadh and Qassim, as well as Eastern Train stations in Riyadh, Dammam, and Hofuf. The second phase expands these services to include Al Majmaah, Hail, Al Jawf, and Qurayyat on the North Train network, and Abqaiq on the East Train network.

SAR's substantial growth in passenger transportation—over 4.4 million passengers in the first half of 2023, marking an 84% increase from the previous year—underscores the rising preference for railway travel in Saudi Arabia. This growth is a key driver behind Careem's decision to extend its services to all SAR stations, highlighting the importance of improving transportation links for travelers.

Since its launch in Saudi Arabia in 2013, Careem has expanded its operations to 26 cities across the Kingdom. The comprehensive Careem app allows over 10 million customers to access various services, including ride-hailing, bike-sharing, and food ordering. Moreover, more than 70,000 Saudi citizens benefit from the economic opportunities provided by Careem monthly.