Mohammed Ansar, managing director of MyTaxi Saudia.

A Riyadh-based Saudi company has introduced an online taxi service that can be accessed via smartphones and on a toll free number.

“MyTaxi Saudia” has begun providing services, with a soft launch held at the first Saudi Mobile Expo, which concluded in Riyadh on Wednesday.

MyTaxi Saudia was one of the exhibitors at the expo. “The Riyadh-based company operates under the slogan ‘Any car, anywhere, anytime with convenience and care’,” said Mohammed Ansar, managing director of the company, on Wednesday.

“We are a local Saudi company, which understands the needs and requirements of the local market,” he said. “The company plans to extend services to other major cities, such as Jeddah and Dammam in the Eastern Province.

Customers can either request a limousine or hire a car of their choice. Limousines will have a meter and other cars will be charged according to the distance covered. Airport pick-ups in Riyadh will cost SR100 and SR70 to get dropped off.

“We are strict in ensuring consumer privacy and security,” he said. “Customers can call drivers via a central system without having their mobile phone numbers displayed.”

“Likewise, drivers can also call customers via the automated central system,” said Ansar. “This is an important feature, since most customers are women.”

“We also ensure convenience, since customers no longer need to wait outside for the taxi to arrive,” he said. “Customers will be informed via message and smartphone users can even monitor the driver’s whereabouts.”

“Customers can select the taxi company, an important feature in reassuring users that they are dealing with licensed entities,” said Ansar. “The vehicles registered in our system are tracked by a GPS system for customer protection. We are the only service company connecting customers to licensed taxi services in the Kingdom free of charge.”

“Our booking service will not only benefit customers, but also other sectors in the transport industry in the Kingdom,” he said. “The new system will also put an end to taxis having to roam the street in search of clients.”

“Taxi drivers waste more than 50 percent of their time trying to find passengers. The new system will also provide ample employment opportunities for Saudi youth.”

Customers can download the app on their smartphones or call toll-free number 920009286.