Careem, a leading ride-hailing service in Pakistan, has rolled out a new feature called “Later Booking,” which allows users to schedule their rides at least two hours in advance. This new functionality aims to enhance convenience for customers by ensuring that a reliable vehicle is available at their preferred time, even amid potential connectivity issues.
The “Later Booking” feature is designed to cater to various customer needs, including students, office-goers, and individuals requiring airport transfers or rides to events. To use this feature, customers need to open the Careem app, select their desired ride type, and then choose the “NOW” dropdown menu to schedule their ride for a later time. This flexibility is expected to simplify the planning process for many users, making it easier to coordinate transportation needs.
Careem’s system for “Later Booking” incorporates several checks to ensure a smooth and timely journey. This includes contacting the assigned driver (referred to as a captain) to confirm their readiness for the scheduled time, providing a 15-minute waiting period after the captain’s arrival, and offering the best available vehicles. These measures are put in place to enhance reliability and user satisfaction.
Imran Saleem, General Manager of Careem, emphasized the importance of this new feature: “Mobility is an integral part of our society, where customers rely on us to move freely. We understand the unique challenges of our market and always work towards introducing features to ensure we simplify and improve the lives of people. Whether it’s a student booking a ride to their class or a professional scheduling a ride for an important meeting, this feature is designed to meet their needs and simplify their lives.”
In addition to “Later Booking,” Careem also offers the “Premium 5 & 10” service, which allows users to book a ride for extended periods. This service is particularly useful for special occasions like weddings or inter-city travel, where continuous transportation is needed for several hours. Users can choose between a five-hour or ten-hour booking, ensuring they have reliable transportation throughout the duration of their event or trip.
The introduction of “Later Booking” reflects Careem’s commitment to evolving with user needs and enhancing the overall ride-hailing experience. By providing more flexible scheduling options and extended ride services, Careem continues to solidify its position as a leader in the ride-hailing industry in Pakistan.
