Etihad Rail, United Trans, and Via Partner to Deliver Seamless, Connected Journeys Across the UAE
Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE’s national railway network, has announced a landmark collaboration with United Trans and Via aimed at transforming how people move across the Emirates. Through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the three organizations will work together to integrate Etihad Rail’s passenger services into Citymapper, the globally recognized journey-planning app powered by Via and brought to the region by United Trans.
This strategic partnership marks a major step forward in advancing the UAE’s national mobility agenda — a vision centered on sustainability, innovation, and intermodal connectivity. It underscores the country’s commitment to developing a world-class transport ecosystem that enhances accessibility, reduces reliance on private vehicles, and supports the broader goals of UAE Vision 2031 and the National Smart Mobility Strategy.
Creating a Unified, Passenger-Centric Mobility Experience
The integration of Etihad Rail services into the Citymapper app represents a major milestone in delivering a fully connected and seamless travel experience for residents and visitors alike. For the first time, passengers will be able to plan multimodal journeys that combine the national rail network with other modes of transport such as metro systems, public buses, on-demand transit services, and micromobility options — all through a single, intuitive digital platform.
Through Citymapper, users will gain access to real-time travel information, accurate service updates, optimized route recommendations, and fare transparency across all available modes of transport. This level of digital integration will allow passengers to compare travel options, reduce waiting and transfer times, and select the most efficient routes tailored to their specific needs and schedules.
By simplifying journey planning, the partnership aims to make public transport more convenient, accessible, and attractive to a broader range of users — from daily commuters and students to tourists exploring the UAE’s growing network of destinations.
A Shared Vision for Smart, Sustainable Mobility
Speaking on the significance of the partnership, Azza Alsuwaidi, Deputy CEO of Etihad Rail Mobility, emphasized that this initiative reflects Etihad Rail’s enduring commitment to building a modern, integrated transport system designed around the needs of the passenger.
“This initiative reflects Etihad Rail’s commitment to building a modern, integrated transport system that improves mobility for residents and visitors alike,” said Alsuwaidi. “By working with United Trans and Via, we can deliver a seamless travel experience that positions rail as the backbone of the UAE’s public transport network.”
Etihad Rail’s vision aligns closely with the UAE’s national strategy for sustainable development and climate responsibility. By encouraging greater use of shared and public transport, the company aims to contribute to reduced traffic congestion, lower carbon emissions, and improved air quality across the Emirates.
The integration with Citymapper will help ensure that rail plays a central role in this transformation — serving as the core connector linking major urban centers, industrial zones, and regional communities.
Enabling First- and Last-Mile Connectivity
Beyond integrating rail services into digital trip planning, the collaboration between Etihad Rail, United Trans, and Via will also explore innovative ways to solve one of urban mobility’s biggest challenges: first- and last-mile connectivity.
The partners intend to use Via’s advanced on-demand transit technology — already proven in cities around the world — to provide flexible, affordable, and sustainable transportation options that connect neighborhoods, business hubs, and residential communities directly to Etihad Rail stations.
Operated by United Trans, these on-demand services could take the form of shared shuttles, electric minibuses, or microtransit vehicles that adapt dynamically to passenger demand. This would ensure reliable access to the national rail network without the need for private cars, further reducing congestion on urban roads while improving connectivity and convenience for passengers.
“United Trans has long been committed to advancing smart mobility solutions across the UAE,” said Raed Abu Hijleh of United Trans. “This partnership is an important step toward creating an integrated, user-friendly network that encourages more people to choose shared transport.”
This first- and last-mile strategy directly supports the UAE’s ongoing efforts to promote sustainable travel behavior, strengthen public transport adoption, and make cities more livable through efficient, technology-enabled mobility.
Leveraging Via’s Global Expertise in Intelligent Transport Systems
Via, a global leader in transit technology, brings deep expertise in designing and operating flexible, data-driven transportation systems. Through its Citymapper platform and its suite of mobility solutions, Via enables cities and transport authorities to integrate multiple transport modes into a unified, digital ecosystem that prioritizes passenger convenience and operational efficiency.
Chris Snyder, Chief Operating Officer at Via, noted that this collaboration represents the future of public transport — one that is connected, intuitive, and centered on the passenger experience.
“This is what the future of public transport should feel like — connected, intuitive, and rider-centric,” Snyder explained. “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.”
Via’s technology powers over 700 public mobility systems worldwide, including on-demand microtransit, paratransit, and fixed-route services. Its proven track record in improving service reliability, optimizing routes through artificial intelligence, and expanding access to transport makes it a natural partner for Etihad Rail’s digital transformation ambitions.
Building on Proven Collaboration and Regional Success
United Trans and Via are not new collaborators — the two companies have already partnered successfully to deliver on-demand public transportation services in key UAE cities such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Ajman. Their joint experience in the region provides a strong foundation for scaling this partnership to the national level.
By integrating Etihad Rail into Citymapper, the collaboration builds upon their existing achievements and extends their combined expertise in operations, technology, and customer experience to support the next phase of the UAE’s transport evolution.
The move also aligns with the UAE government’s drive to digitalize infrastructure, promote smart city ecosystems, and enhance public-private partnerships in the transportation sector.
A New Era of Connected Mobility Across the Emirates
As Etihad Rail continues its progress toward launching passenger operations across the country, this partnership ensures that passengers will have access to a digitally connected, end-to-end mobility experience from day one.
Whether traveling between Emirates for work or leisure, or connecting from suburban communities to major urban centers, travelers will be able to plan, book, and navigate their entire journey using one comprehensive platform.
By combining Etihad Rail’s national reach, United Trans’ operational leadership, and Via’s technological innovation, the collaboration is poised to redefine how mobility is experienced in the UAE — making it simpler, greener, and more connected than ever before.
Etihad Rail is the developer and operator of the UAE’s national railway network, designed to connect key cities, industrial hubs, and ports across the Emirates. The network aims to drive economic growth, support sustainability goals, and provide a safe, efficient, and reliable transport solution for passengers and freight alike.
United Trans, a leading UAE-based mobility solutions provider, specializes in the design, implementation, and operation of smart transport systems and services. The company focuses on integrating advanced technologies to deliver innovative, efficient, and sustainable mobility solutions across the region.
Via is a global leader in transit technology, helping cities and transport agencies plan, operate, and optimize modern, equitable mobility systems. Via’s technology powers public transportation networks in more than 700 cities worldwide, transforming the way people move and making public mobility more efficient, inclusive, and sustainable.