Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has confirmed plans to seamlessly integrate upcoming Etihad Rail passenger stations with the city’s existing public transport systems, including the metro, buses and taxis.
The initiative, aimed at enhancing last-mile connectivity, will replicate the successful model implemented for the Dubai Metro network.
According to Gulf News, Ahmed Hashim Bahrozyan, CEO of the RTA’s Public Transport Agency, stated that each Etihad Rail station in Dubai will be directly served by feeder buses and taxi services.
Etihad Rail, slated to launch in 2026, is expected to become a key pillar of the UAE’s transport infrastructure. The 900-kilometre national network will connect 11 cities across all seven emirates, from Al Sila in Abu Dhabi to Fujairah on the east coast, with trains running at speeds of up to 200 kilometres per hour.
In Dubai, Etihad Rail stations will be directly linked with the metro system, city buses and taxis. Other stations, including those in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Fujairah, will also be integrated into local transit networks to ensure ease of access for commuters.
Etihad Rail and RTA have partnered to implement a unified ticketing system to simplify the travel process further. Passengers will be able to use their existing nol cards across trains, metro and buses, streamlining fare payments and promoting wider public transport use.
The Dubai and Fujairah stations will act as key hubs within the national railway system once services go live. Each train will accommodate up to 400 passengers, with an estimated annual ridership of 36.5 million passengers by 2030.
Officials say the integration plan is designed to enhance mobility, support sustainability and reduce travel times across the Emirates.