Etihad Rail Expands First- and Last-Mile Passenger Connectivity

UAE, June 2026 — As the UAE prepares to launch its first national passenger railway, Etihad Rail is strengthening first- and last-mile connectivity through a suite of integrated transport services. The initiative is designed to make rail travel more convenient by linking stations with surrounding cities, residential areas, and key destinations.

Passengers will have access to dedicated shuttle buses operating from stations to major city locations for a fare of AED10 per journey. Stations will also feature rental car facilities, taxi services, and designated pick-up and drop-off zones for ride-hailing providers, allowing travellers to continue their journeys without relying solely on private vehicles.

The multimodal approach complements Etihad Rail's passenger network, which begins operations between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah before expanding to Dubai, Al Dhaid, Sharjah, and the Al Dhafra region. By integrating rail with local transport services, the operator aims to encourage greater public transport usage while reducing barriers to adopting inter-emirate rail travel.

Beyond station access, the initiative reflects a broader shift towards Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS), where rail, buses, taxis, rental vehicles, and digital booking platforms operate as a coordinated transport ecosystem. Such integration is increasingly recognised as a key factor in improving passenger experience and increasing rail network utilisation.

As Etihad Rail prepares for full passenger operations, its investment in first- and last-mile connectivity demonstrates that successful railway systems depend not only on fast and reliable train services but also on seamless connections before and after each journey. This integrated model is expected to play a significant role in supporting the UAE's long-term sustainable mobility objectives.

Source: Khaleej Times