ION Provides Safe, Sustainable Transport For Vital Healthcare Professionals And Emirati Repatriations During COVID-19
UAE-based sustainable mobility solutions company ION has been supporting Sharjah Medical District, pro bono, by dedicating its fleet of electric vehicles and trained drivers for 24/7 on-call medical professionals to conduct home visits and COVID-19 testing, as part of response efforts to support the local healthcare sector.
In addition, ION’s sustainable transportation solutions have also been available upon request for the authorities to transportEmiratis from airports to their residences or quarantine facilities under the UAE’s overseas repatriation plan, in collaboration with the local authorities to facilitate their movements during the road ban.
ION was specifically selected based on the sustainable and stringent safety standards of its operations. Necessary precautions have been taken for all services, including the thorough disinfection of vehicles pre and post-rides, and ION’sprofessional drivers who have been intensively trained on safety protocols.
H.E. Khaled Al Huraimel, Group CEO of Bee’ahand Chairman of ION, said: “Providing sustainable mobility solutions that help reduce emissions from the transport network has always been ION’s mandate. ION stands ready to support government entities by deploying our resources and assets for the wider society’s benefit while maintaining the highest levels of safety during operations. By offering these services gratis, we are proud to meaningfully contribute to our nation’s response against COVID-19.”
Established to promote sustainable modes of transport and green mobility solutions in the region, ION is a joint venture between Bee’ah and CE-Creates, the business incubation platform of Crescent Enterprises. ION offers electric vehicle ride-hailing services and manages and operates autonomous shuttle services to spearhead the provision of accessible and sustainable transport solutions.
Samer Choucair, Director, CE-Creates, said: “Everyday, medical professionals are putting themselves at the frontline to serve and protect us against the pandemic. At ION, we take every opportunity to support and honor their efforts during this crisis. Through the provision of safe and sustainable transport, we are working to accelerate response times, ensuring our healthcare heroes are able to perform their duties as safely and as practically as possible.”
ION’s electric vehicles and drivers are stationed at the Sharjah Medical District and at doctors’ homes to allow for efficient and quick movement for the facilitation of home visits and COVID-19 testing around the clock.
ION is also working to develop the UAE’s infrastructure for mainstream electric vehicle adoption by setting up public charging stations across Sharjah. The company has previously supported Sharjah’s ambitions to develop infrastructure supporting electric vehicle mobility by setting up charging stations across the Emirate. ION is providing next-generation mobility solutions within Masdar City, including a fleet of Chevrolet Bolt electric cars for on-demand, ride-hailing services as it expands operations across Abu Dhabi.