Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the national rail network in the UAE, has announced a new collaboration with Uber, a leading mobility as a service and ride-hailing company.
The partnership aims to strengthen “First and Last Mile initiatives,” extend services throughout the UAE, analyse mobility data, and facilitate the exchange of best practices. This agreement was signed during the 17th edition of Middle East Rail, the MENA region and South Asia’s largest and most renowned transportation event.
The deal reflects Etihad Rail and Uber’s their commitment to establishing inclusive and interconnected transportation throughout the UAE, even in regions with restricted accessibility.
“Our goal is to improve the living standards and welfare of the residents and facilitate commuting among all areas of the country quickly, efficiently, comfortably, and affordably. We look forward to working closely with Uber and hope to benefit from their expertise in global transportation through technology,” said Nicolas Pertovic, chief executive officer, Etihad Rail Mobility.
Etihad Rail and Uber will conduct a comprehensive analysis of intercity travel patterns within the UAE, including the duration and distances of trips. They will also examine popular travel hubs such as bus and metro stations to understand how people navigate between these locations.
The ultimate objective is to enhance the overall transportation experience for passengers through collaborative efforts, as highlighted by Etihad Rail. Furthermore, the partnership aims to explore opportunities for service integration, which may involve creating designated pickup and drop-off zones for Uber riders at train stations. This integration will simplify the journey planning process for passengers.
Additionally, there are plans to expand Uber’s services to additional cities and regions across the UAE, facilitating greater accessibility for passengers.
“At Uber, we believe the future of urban mobility is a model that supports shared, electric, and multimodal mobility, and knowledge transfer is an essential part of that process. Together with Etihad Rail, we share the vision for more accessible and integrated transportation, and hope that our global learnings, experience, and technology will help millions make smart, shared mobility choices,” said Frans Hiemstra, director and regional general manager, Uber MEA.
Etihad Rail’s passenger rail system in the UAE will connect 11 cities and regions, spanning from Al Sila to Fujairah.
