Blacklane, a global chauffeur service, will start its novel chauffeur hailing in 21 cities across 11 countries this month with the New York launch first, and beginning in London and Dubai today (March 2).

Blacklane already offers scheduled rides in 50 countries. Its new on-demand rides maintain the same premium quality, health and safety standards, fixed competitive fares, and sustainability as its pre-booked trips.

“People need trusted local transportation now more than ever as cities reopen,” said Dr Jens Wohltorf, Blacklane’s CEO and co-founder. “Many companies have built ride-hailing platforms with little quality control and confusing costs. But Blacklane has built a global chauffeur-hailing service with clear, consistent rates and the highest quality standards.'

Berlin launches on Wednesday, followed by Paris on Thursday. All eight US cities will go live by next week and all 21 cities will have launched by March 26.

As with its scheduled rides, Blacklane partners with only the best local chauffeur companies. It continues its proven all-inclusive fares based only on distance. Guests do not pay extra for higher demand, traffic or tolls, providing the same cost certainty for all types of trips.

The company’s carbon-neutral program extends to hailed chauffeur service. Blacklane was the first ground transportation company to offset carbon emissions from all rides and business operations worldwide, starting in 2017.

Private and business guests book on Blacklane’s iOS app. Chauffeurs clean and sanitize vehicles before and after each journey. They greet guests with a slight bow instead of a handshake, maintain maximum distance, and provide hand sanitizer and masks. Guests can call or chat with Blacklane’s 24/7 customer service team in the app.

Blacklane’s scheduled service continues as usual, with rides booked 30 minutes to months in advance on its website and apps. Guests can reserve private and sanitized door-to-door airport transfers, hourly rides and intercity trips.

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