Riyadh — Careem, the Dubai-based company recently acquired by Uber Technologies Inc. for $3.1 billion, started a bus service between Jeddah and Makkah for 25 riyals ($6.7) each way, Careem said in a statement..

It will start with 13-seat buses.

Careem has also branched out into food and package deliveries, scheduled rides as well as credit transfers.

Uber announced the acquisition in March but the deal allows Careem to continue to operate as a standalone brand.

Careem launched its bus service with Cairo as the first city of operations.

Careem Bus is a separate app from the ride hailing product and is available for download on iOS and Android. Customers are able to choose the pick up and drop off location after which they will have the option of picking the bus that best suits their time. They will also be able to track the bus as it arrives, the same as when ordering a Careem car, and fares will be fixed at a set rate which is 60-70 percent cheaper than the Careem car service.

The fleet of busses are air conditioned and trips are booked through an app ensuring that every user is guaranteed a seat.

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