Etihad Rail, United Trans & Via Partner for UAE-Wide Travel
▼ Summary
– Etihad Rail, United Trans, and Via have partnered to integrate Etihad Rail services into the Citymapper app to enhance the UAE’s public transportation system.
– The integration will allow passengers to plan multimodal journeys combining rail, metro, bus, on-demand transit, and micromobility in a single app with real-time information and fare visibility.
– The collaboration aims to make rail the backbone of the UAE’s transport network by improving accessibility and supporting the country’s vision for smart intermodal mobility.
– The partnership includes exploring first- and last-mile services using Via’s on-demand technology to connect communities to rail, reducing congestion and promoting sustainable travel.
– United Trans and Via have previously collaborated on on-demand transit services in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Ajman, and this initiative builds on their expertise to create a more integrated mobility experience.
A major new partnership between Etihad Rail, United Trans, and Via is set to redefine public transportation across the UAE. The collaboration will integrate the national railway’s services directly into the Citymapper journey planning application, creating a unified platform for planning and booking trips. This initiative aims to make public transit a more attractive and convenient option for everyone, directly supporting the nation’s broader ambitions for a leading smart mobility ecosystem.
Travelers will gain the ability to plan complete door-to-door journeys within a single, easy-to-use app. The system will combine Etihad Rail schedules with local metro lines, bus routes, on-demand transit services, and micromobility options like e-scooters. Citymapper will deliver real-time updates, smart routing suggestions, and clear fare information, allowing users to compare their choices, minimize waiting times, and select the most efficient travel path for their needs.
Azza Alsuwaidi, Deputy CEO of Etihad Rail Mobility, emphasized the strategic importance of the move. She stated that the project demonstrates Etihad Rail’s dedication to constructing a modern and fully integrated transport network that enhances mobility for all residents and tourists. By joining forces with United Trans and Via, the goal is to provide a seamless travel experience that firmly establishes rail travel as the central pillar of the UAE’s public transport infrastructure.
A key focus of the partnership involves enhancing first- and last-mile connectivity. The groups are exploring how to use Via’s sophisticated on-demand technology, operated by United Trans, to offer flexible and cost-effective shuttle services. This approach is designed to guarantee that communities and major business districts have dependable access to train stations without requiring a private car, which in turn helps alleviate traffic congestion, bolsters regional connectivity, and promotes more sustainable travel habits.
Raed Abu Hijleh of United Trans highlighted his company’s long-standing commitment to pioneering intelligent mobility solutions throughout the Emirates. He described the partnership as a critical milestone in developing a cohesive and user-focused network that motivates a greater number of people to opt for shared transportation over private vehicles.
Chris Snyder, Chief Operating Officer at Via, shared his vision for the future of transit. He remarked that this initiative embodies what modern public transport should be: interconnected, intuitive, and designed with the passenger at the center. By building a unified digital framework that incorporates Etihad Rail into Citymapper and leveraging their specialized knowledge in adaptable, on-demand networks, they are weaving every component of the transit system into one fluid experience that simplifies travel.
This new endeavor builds upon the existing and successful collaboration between United Trans and Via. Together, they already power on-demand public transit services in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Ajman, utilizing Via’s technological platform and United Trans’s operational management. The integration of Etihad Rail into the Citymapper app represents a significant evolution of their partnership, taking the mobility experience for UAE commuters to a more advanced and integrated level.
(Source: MEA Tech Watch)
