The city’s Integrated Transportation Centre (ITC) now provides a free microtransit shuttle service via the newly developed “Abu Dhabi Healthcare Link” application
April 5, 2020 (Abu Dhabi, UAE) — United Trans, a subsidiary of Alserkal Group and a leading Transport Services operator in the region,partnered with Via to launch a new on-demand transportation systemin Abu Dhabi to provide free rides for medical workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The application is developed for Abu DhabiIntegrated Transport Center (ITC).
This initiative of ITC allowsthe city’s essential healthcare workers now have a safe and reliable way to transport them between their home and place of work during the coronavirus public health crisis.
As an appreciation for healthcare workers through the city, Abu Dhabi Healthcare Link is completely free, courtesy of ITC. Employees simply enter a rider code provided by their hospital in the mobile app, and they’ll instantly be able to book a ride to and from their home and place of work. The new on-demand transportation service is available from 6 p.m. to 8 a.m., as fixed-route public transportation is scaled back as a preventative measure to limit the spread of coronavirus.
Using the all-new Abu Dhabi Healthcare Link app (iOS and Android), medical employees will be able to hail one of ITC’s dedicated fleet directly from their smartphone, and entirely for free. Via’s advanced algorithms will enable multiple riders to seamlessly share the vehicle, by also ensuring that social distancing is maintained. Via’s powerful technology picks up multiple passengers in a seamless flow, allowing for quick and efficient shared trips without lengthy detours, or inconvenient fixed routes and schedules.
“We feel incredibly honoured and grateful to partner with Via to develop this platform for the Abu Dhabi ITC. UAE has always led by example, and this new service is no exception. We are going through unprecedented times, and we hope that this new service will support the healthcare staff that are tirelessly working round the clock to help save lives.” said Ahmad Bin EisaAlserkal, Chairman of United Trans (a member of Alserkal Group of Companies).
The ITC adds it will study ridership closely, with plans to expand the new on-demand microtransit service to 24 hours a day should demand to indicate broader service hours. Its expansion would support and complement existing transportation provided by hospitals.
The ITC in Abu Dhabi now joins a number of high-profile transportation agencies turning to United Trans and Via to help develop the next generation of public transportation, specifically during the COVID-19 pandemic. Cities like Berlin, Timaru, and Malta have each deployed Via’s on-demand emergency transportation services to quickly and efficiently transport essential workers and goods, like groceries and medical supplies.
Via is now working with nearly 100 partners in more than 20 countries to help connect more people to transit including the Los Angeles Metro, Transport for London (TfL), Sydney’s Transport for New South Wales (TfNSW), and Berlin’s Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG).
About United Trans
United Trans, a subsidiary of the Alserkal Group, one of the leading transportation providers aiming to transform the regional private sector in areas such as transportation, security, energy and agriculture. United Trans strives in creating local partnerships with International companies to achieve long-term presence and growth, thereby maximising regional private sector involvement in a sustainable manner.
