UAE
New York-based global on-demand vehicle routing and management platform The Routing Company (TRC) has signed a memorandum of understanding with Emirates Transport (ET) to develop on-demand transit in the United Arab Emirates.
Emirates Transport is the UAE’s largest government-owned public transport provider and manages, organises and supervises maintenance and transport services, particularly for the government and education sectors, carrying over 250,000 schoolchildren transported daily. It has a fleet which encompasses 35,000 vehicles of all types on its fleet and more than 26,000 employees.
The signing is TRC’s second in the UAE, and follows its announcement of an agreement with the UAE’s Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure in February. The agreement establishes a joint strategic cooperation agreement to further smart mobility solutions, and develop shared demand responsive transport services within the UAE.
“As the leading and largest transport operator in the UAE, we recognise that the current transportation models merely capture the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the current and future potential of this market,” said Zain Peracha, Head of Digital Ventures at Emirates Transport. “We expect radical innovation across the industry in this decade and are excited to crack strategic partnerships that will enable us to stand true on our values of best-in-class service and customer satisfaction, as well as our deep commitment to develop operational efficiencies and further electrification within our fleet.”
The partners plan to launch at least one pilot service in the region during 2023 to evaluate performance, mutual fit, and future areas of focus, including improving customer satisfaction and convenience, illustrating high capacity ride sharing safely in the UAE, and improving operational efficiency.
“Through this agreement, TRC will work closely with Emirates Transport to advance smart mobility solutions – including collaboration on the study, development, and deployment of on-demand transportation services in the UAE,” said James Cox, Chief Executive Officer at TRC. “With a population nearing 10 million that continues to grow at a record pace, the Emirates is in need of more efficient, safe, affordable, and convenient ways to move people. Our partnership with ET aims to achieve just this: sustainable movement at scale.”
TRC will use its suite of Pingo products to provide enhanced mobility services with ET, namely operating on-demand and shuttle pilots. The Pingo app has been adopted by operators in the UK and elsewhere, with TRC supporting operations from hubs in Australia, Canada, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Switzerland, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
