UAE railway operator inks memorandum for transport boost
UAE’s national railway network operator Etihad Rail has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with United Trans and Via to incorporate Etihad Rail services into the Citymapper transport app, Zawya via TradeArabia reported on October 9th.
Citymapper will deliver real-time data, enhanced routing, and fare visibility. Etihad Rail Mobility’s deputy chief executive officer Azza Alsuwaidi stated: “This initiative reflects Etihad Rail’s commitment to building a modern, integrated transport system that improves mobility for residents and visitors alike.”
United Trans and Via have previously collaborated to power on-demand public transportation services in Dubai, Abu Dhabi as well as Ajman.
In a statement, Etihad Rail, claimed the initiative aims to provide greater access to public transport. Reportedly, users of public transport will be able to use the metro, bus, and on-demand transit via the app.
The initiative intends to enable communities and workers to have a strong accessibility to rail, without a dependence on private cars, in a bid to tackle congestion, and promote connectivity and sustainability.
United Trans representative Raed Abu Hijleh said: “United Trans has long been committed to advancing smart mobility solutions across the UAE.”
Via’s chief operating officer Chris Synder said: “This is what the future of public transport should feel like – connected, intuitive, and rider-centric.”
“By creating a unified digital layer for mobility that integrates Etihad Rail into Citymapper and pairing it with our expertise in flexible, on-demand networks, we’re connecting every part of the transit network into one seamless experience that makes travel simple and intuitive.”
Meanwhile, the transport sector within North Africa has faced its challenges. After a bus crashed and fell into Oued El-Harrach in Algeria’s capital city, Algiers, 18 people were killed, while 25 were left injured. The incident prompted public outrage and led to heated debate on the state of the country’s transport system.
Zawya, Maghrebi.org
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