Take note of these new ride app rules in Saudi Arabia
Ride-hailing is about to get safer
If you, like this reporter, travel through the Kingdom via Ubers and Careem, you’ll be happy to know these new ride app rules in Saudi Arabia will make your journeys that much safer.
The Transport General Authority (TGA) announced on Sunday the adoption of facial recognition verification for ride-hailing drivers to strengthen compliance and improve the reliability of passenger transport services, according to Saudi Gazette.
The authority also launched an electronic driver registration platform to record driver information, verify identities and vehicles, and ensure data accuracy and service quality to ensure safety for all riders. The facial recognition software allows users to identify, track, or verify individuals using AI-powered analysis of facial features from photos or videos uploaded to the server.
The Transport General Authority stated that this procedure will be implemented during the first quarter of this year. The new approved driver registration portal is set to become the main regulatory tool for managing driver records and confirming eligibility to work on ride-hailing applications.
The Transport General Authority affirmed that the procedure will support users, enhance transparency and service quality, and protect users’ rights. The authority has asked that the public report observations or violations through its digital channels, including the official website, or by calling the unified number 19929, so that appropriate regulatory actions may be taken.
These new ride app rules in Saudi Arabia ensure that the actual driver’s information corresponds to the registered data and reinforce adherence to the approved regulations. The authority further noted that ride-hailing activities via these applications are limited only to Saudi citizens.
The Transport General Authority did reveal that it had previously required ride-hailing companies to implement facial recognition verification; taking this current step just further strengthens the monitoring and compliance framework.
Visit: tga.gov.sa
Images: What’s On archives
