More than 5,000 passengers booked tickets for the UAE’s new passenger rail service within the first two days of sales, as Etihad Rail prepares to begin operations between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah on June 30.
The bookings followed the launch of the Etihad Rail app and its dedicated ticket booking website. The company also said its mobile app became the country’s most downloaded free app after bookings opened.
Services begin
The Abu Dhabi-Fujairah route will mark the start of the introductory operational phase of the UAE’s national passenger rail network.
Passenger services will initially run between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah from June 30. From September 30, the network will expand to include Dubai and Al Dhaid. Services to Sharjah and Al Dhafra stations will be added in later phases.
“For years, people have watched the railway taking shape across the UAE. Today, they can open an app, buy a ticket and become part of the story themselves,” said Azza AlSuwaidi, Chief Operating Officer at Etihad Rail.
Ticket prices
Introductory fares for the Abu Dhabi-Fujairah route start from Dhs55 in Comfort Class and Dhs120 in Premium Class.
Comfort Class includes reserved seating, Wi-Fi, charging points at every seat and luggage space. Premium Class offers wider seats, along with complimentary refreshments and snacks.
“We have designed our offering to provide customers with a combination of affordability, comfort and flexibility, while giving them the freedom to choose the option that best suits their travel needs,” said Adhraa Almansoori, Executive Director of Commercial at Etihad Rail Mobility.
Passenger services will be operated by Etihad Rail Mobility, a joint venture between Etihad Rail and Keolis.
The launch comes less than five years after passenger rail was announced as part of the UAE’s Projects of the 50 initiative.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
