Careem to launch bus service in Pakistan

LAHORE – UAE-based ride-hailing service Careem will soon launch its bus service in Pakistan, the company's CEO has announced.

Mudassir Sheikha shared his company’s plan to expand its type of services in the South Asian country during the inauguration of Careem bus service in Egypt on Monday.

The Dubai-based company has initially launched its service in Egypt, the Arab world's most populous country whose capital is home to more than 22 million people, as a part of its increasing expansion beyond its ride-hailing business.

"Careem’s move into mass transportation will have a huge and positive impact across the region,” said  Careem’s chief executive and co-founder Mudassir Sheikha.

Careem Bus, a service aimed at attracting middle-income earners, will have fares fixed at a set rate that is 60 to 70 per cent cheaper than the Careem car service, the company said.

The service is now cash only, but passengers will be able to pay via the Careem wallet on the app soon.

Careem, which was founded in 2012, operates in more than 120 cities in the Middle East, North Africa, Turkey and Pakistan where it has 30 million registered users.