Easy commute: Etihad Rail stations to connect with public transport buses

Dubai: The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) of Dubai is spearheading efforts to fully integrate upcoming Etihad Rail passenger stations in Dubai with the city’s existing public transport network.

Ahmed Hashim Bahrozyan, CEO of the RTA’s Public Transport Agency, confirmed that every new Etihad Rail station will be linked directly to feeder buses and taxis, ensuring seamless last-mile access for commuters.

“We are replicating the successful model used for the Dubai Metro including the Expo Link and the upcoming Blue Line, where feeder buses enhance rail connectivity,” Bahrozyan told Gulf News.

“This approach will connect Etihad Rail stations to local communities and Dubai Metro stations alike, facilitating smooth transfers between multiple transport modes,” he added. He said the passengers in Dubai will have easy access to the Etihad Rail stations with feeder buses, metro links and taxis.

Set to launch passenger services in 2026, Etihad Rail marks a landmark development in the UAE’s transport infrastructure. By linking rail stations with feeder buses and taxis, Dubai is setting a new standard for efficient, eco-friendly, and passenger-centric transport. The 900km Etihad Rail passenger network will connect 11 cities across all seven emirates, from Al Sila in Abu Dhabi’s west to Fujairah on the east coast, bringing the UAE’s emirates closer than ever through fast, reliable, and fully integrated travel options.

To maximise convenience, full integration with Dubai’s metro and bus systems will be implemented. This comprehensive connectivity will enable easy, hassle-free transfers between trains, metro, buses, and taxis reducing travel times and costs for passengers.

Dubai Station: Linked directly with the Dubai Metro, RTA buses, and taxis

Abu Dhabi Station: Served by city routes and public buses

Sharjah and Fujairah Stations: Easily accessible via local public transport terminals

Etihad Rail and the RTA have partnered to allow passengers to use their existing nol cards across the entire rail and public transport system. This unified ticketing solution will simplify fare payments, encourage the use of public transport, and promote sustainability.

The passenger stations in Dubai and Fujairah will serve as key hubs within the national railway network once operations commence next year. The national project, developed and operated by Etihad Rail, will provide a safe, advanced, and sustainable mode of transport, strengthening the connectivity between different regions of the UAE. It is designed to offer citizens, residents, and visitors a fully integrated travel experience, built to the highest standards of comfort, reliability, and operational excellence.

Etihad Rail continues to advance preparations for the launch of passenger operations with the highest levels of efficiency, quality, and operational readiness. Trains will operate at speeds of up to 200km/hr, with the first four passenger stations located in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Fujairah. These strategic hubs will enhance accessibility, reduce travel times, and strengthen social and economic ties between communities, contributing to a higher quality of life across the nation. Each train is expected to accommodate up to 400 passengers, with annual ridership projected to reach 36.5 million passengers annually by 2030.