Hitachi Rail has been selected to deliver a Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) solution for Etihad Rail, the entity responsible for developing and operating the UAE’s National Railway Network.
The system will cover the 900 kilometres of railway stretching from Ghuweifat, on the Saudi border, to Fujairah, providing an integrated digital platform for passengers.
This platform will manage various mobility services, including ticket bookings, journey planning, and payment.
The initiative, known as the Etihad Rail Sales and Distribution System project, aims to support sustainable and efficient passenger and freight transport services. The project will connect both urban and rural regions across the Emirates.
It involves a phased implementation, beginning with a sophisticated booking system that integrates local ticket sales and ride-hailing services, laying the foundation for a nationwide MaaS solution.
Once operational, passengers will be able to travel across the UAE via rail, complemented by shared mobility services for first and last-mile connectivity. This is expected to simplify travel between emirates, with Etihad Rail projected to carry up to 36.5 million passengers annually by 2030.
Jean-Marc Reynaud, Vice-President of Hitachi Rail RCS, said:We are proud to deliver our advanced Mobility-as-a-Service solution for Etihad Rail. This project will contribute to vital mobility objectives in the UAE and the region, providing a seamless multi-modal transport platform and enhancing the passenger experience for millions of passengers every day.
Hitachi Rail, the prime contractor, has partnered with several experts to ensure the project’s success. Acting as the master integrator, Hitachi Rail will implement open architecture APIs alongside its partners to provide a seamless service. This will include the integration of a central passenger account management system, a reservation and inventory management system, and a journey planner, all accessible via a mobile app and web portal.
Once complete, Etihad Rail’s passenger network will link 11 cities and regions within the UAE, positioning the project as a vital component of the planned Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) railway network.
Nicolas Petrovic, CEO of Etihad Rail Mobility said:The implementation of Hitachi Rail's MaaS solution is a transformative step forward for Etihad Rail and the UAE. This initiative not only enhances connectivity across our nation but also supports our vision for sustainable and efficient transportation.
