Etihad Rail, Uber sign MoU to jointly bolster integrated mobility services

Etihad Rail has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with global technology company Uber.

As part of the MoU, Etihad Rail and Uber will collaborate on enhancing First and Last Mile initiatives, expanding services across the UAE, mobility data analysis, and exchanging best practices.

Under the terms of the MoU, both parties will collaborate to understand passenger activity and movement between cities in the UAE. This will be done through conducting studies on travel patterns between emirates, such as trip length and distances, as well as analysing travel hot spots between cities in the UAE, including bus and metro stations, and the distribution of trips from these transportation hubs, according to a press release by Uber.

The parties will explore opportunities to integrate e-hailing services and assess the possibility of creating an Uber dedicated pickup and drop-off area for passengers within stations.

How Uber is supporting urban mobility

Frans Hiemstra, director and regional GM, Uber MEA, said: “Public transit is the backbone of any city and is indispensable for moving more people around efficiently, preventing congestion, and limiting pollution. But, the way people use public transport is changing, and technology has a big role to play in that to help us solve complex transport challenges.

“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.”

Nicolas Petrovic, Etihad Rail Mobility CEO, said: “This MoU is in line with Etihad Rail’s efforts to provide accessible and integrated transportation across the UAE, including in areas with limited 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.”

In other news, Etihad Rail and Italian luxury hospitality company, Arsenale, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the development of a luxury train experience, which will operate within the UAE, and extend to the GCC.

Image credit: Uber