Smart Car Rental service run by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has seen a steep rise over the first seven months of this year. Statistics reveal that as much as 377,873 journeys have been completed compared to 185,501 journeys recorded during the same period last year, which reflects a very healthy growth of 103%.

“The sharp growth of smart car rental journeys highlights the appeal of this service to the public as it saves time and effort as well as the hassles of finding a quick transit mode. In fact, the spiraling demand for the service prompted us last year to double the number of vehicles in service from 200 to 400 vehicles,” said Adel Shakri, Director of Planning and Business Development, Public Transport Agency, RTA.

The service contributes to a number of RTA strategic goals, such as Smart Dubai, People Happiness and Advance RTA. It also boosts the integration of various public transport modes.

“Users of Udrive or eKar smart apps can rent cars for up to six hours without human intervention neither at the time of receiving nor at the time of handing-over the vehicle. RTA has designated 45 locations across Dubai, five of them at Rashidiya, Union, Burjuman, Business Bay and Ibn Battuta Metro Stations.”

“The smart rental car has a range of benefits including free fuel from EPPCO and ADNOC petrol stations, free insurance, and free RTA parking. The rental rate is 50 fils per minute when parking the vehicle at the end of use anywhere in Dubai, and 40 fils per minute when returning the vehicle to the same starting point of the journey,” explained Shakri.

The smart rental service is restricted to Dubai. UAE residents need to sign up for the two apps to avail the service. Signing up requires details of Emirates ID, driving license, credit card, and a personal photograph. The applicant has to carry Emirates ID for verification. Visitors need to enter details of passport, entry visa, driving license and credit card.

To start the vehicle, the renter is required to key-in the Personal Identification Number (PIN) in the device fitted to the vehicle. The client needs to sign-off the service and lock-up the vehicle through the app. The bill is forwarded to the user online.