Car-pooling programme’s locations updated

Residents who use the official online carpooling program Sharekni will now be able to find their way around the UAE with the Geographic Information System (GIS).

DUBAI // Residents who use the Sharekni car-pooling scheme will now be able to find their way around thanks to a geographic information system.

Locations across Dubai and other emirates are being uploaded to the online programme by the Roads and Transport Authority.

“Linking the Sharekni programme with the GIS system has made it very easy for users to identify the name of their final destinations or geographical locations,” said Eisa Al Hashimi, the director of planning and business development at the authority’s Public Transport Agency.

“The GIS system plays an important role in helping users, especially new ones, to find other subscribers.

“This step is intended to facilitate the use of the Sharekni programme for customers such as car-poolers and passengers interested in a shared use of a car to access their final destinations.”

Users used to have to search for a destination by keying in specific areas and locations.

Sites already uploaded include government and semi-government institutions, hospitals, hotels and landmarks, Mr Al Hashimi said.

Sharekni was launched by the transport authority five years ago to encourage people to share driving and reduce the number of cars on the roads. Vehicle owners are issued with electronic permits that entitle them to car-pool in Dubai or other emirates.

“The Sharekni programme helps ease traffic congestion, reducing the number of vehicles at peak hours, relieving vehicle parking worries at workplaces, saving transport costs and reducing psychological and physical stress resulting from driving in traffic congestion,” Mr Al Hashimi said.

The number of electronic permits issued reached 1,725 this year. They are free and can be obtained by registering on the online portal, www.sharekni.ae.