US transport software company Via has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Etihad Rail and United Trans to improve the passenger experience across the UAE.

The goal is to integrate Etihad Rail services into Citymapper, a United Trans journey planning app powered by Via. This partnership is designed to make public transportation more accessible and attractive, supporting the UAE’s vision to become a leader in smart intermodal mobility.

Passengers will be able to plan seamless, multimodal journeys that combine Etihad Rail services with metro, bus, on-demand transit and micromobility, all in a single, intuitive app. Citymapper will provide real-time information, optimised routing and fare visibility, empowering riders to compare options, reduce transfer times and choose the most efficient way to travel.

“This initiative reflects Etihad Rail’s commitment to building a modern, integrated transport system that improves mobility for residents and visitors alike,” said Azza Alsuwaidi, deputy CEO of Etihad Rail Mobility. “By working with United Trans and Via, we can deliver a seamless travel experience that positions rail as the backbone of the UAE’s public transport network.”

The collaboration also explores how to complement rail with flexible, affordable first- and last-kilometre services powered by Via’s on-demand technology and operated by United Trans. This would ensure that surrounding communities and employment hubs have reliable access to rail without relying on private cars, reducing congestion, improving connectivity and encouraging sustainable travel behaviour.

“United Trans has long been committed to advancing smart mobility across the UAE,” said Raed Abu Hijleh from United Trans. “This partnership is an important step towards creating an integrated, user-friendly network that encourages more people to choose shared transport.”

Chris Snyder, chief operating officer at Via, added: “This is what the future of public transport should feel like – connected, intuitive and rider-centric. By creating a unified digital layer for mobility that integrates Etihad Rail into Citymapper and pairing it with our expertise in flexible, on-demand networks, we’re connecting every part of the transit network into one seamless experience that makes travel simple and intuitive.”

United Trans and Via have a track record of collaboration, jointly powering on-demand public transportation services in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Ajman with Via’s technology and United Trans’ operational expertise. Integrating Etihad Rail into Citymapper brings the partnership between United Trans and Via to the next level to create a more integrated mobility experience for riders across the UAE.

With experience from landmark projects such as Etihad Rail (www.etihadrail.ae) and Dubai Metro, Dubai-based United Trans (unitedtrans-me.com) delivers complete, end-to-end transportation offerings.

New York-based Via (ridewithvia.com) transforms public transportation systems into dynamic networks, based on data and demand. Cities and transit agencies around the world adopt Via’s suite of software and technology-enabled services to replace fragmented legacy systems and consolidate operations.