Enhanced Connectivity: New Dubai Footbridge and Sharjah Buses Boost Access to Etihad Rail Stations

New transportation links in Dubai and Sharjah are significantly improving access to Etihad Rail stations. A pedestrian footbridge opened in Dubai on Thursday, and three new connecting bus routes have been launched in Sharjah, facilitating smoother transfers between the Dubai Metro and Etihad Rail services. The new footbridge connects Jumeirah Golf Estates station with Etihad Rail’s Al Yalayis Station, replacing a previous shuttle bus service. Passengers can utilize a Nol One-Day Pass for unlimited travel across the emirate's public transport network, valid until midnight. Digital QR codes on mobile phones are now an alternative to single-use red paper Nol tickets.

Dubai Al Yalayis Station is slated to become a major transport hub in the coming years, with plans for an interchange between the Metro Red and Gold lines by 2032. The station commenced operations on September 30, serving the initial rail service to Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Fujairah. Additional services have been introduced on select weekends due to rising demand. Variable pricing has also been implemented on several routes, with some ticket prices increasing by up to Dh69 to manage demand.

The F38 bus route also serves Dubai's rail station, offering a circular service that includes Dubai Sports City and Dubai Production City. In Sharjah, the Road and Transport Authority announced three new bus routes on Wednesday, linking Sharjah's first rail station in Al Dhaid. Route ER1 connects Al Madam Bus Station to Al Dhaid Station, with stops in Mleiha and Al Dhaid, and has a journey time of one hour. Route ER2 links Al Sajaa Bus Station with Al Dhaid Station, passing through Al Batayeh and Al Dhaid, taking approximately 43 minutes. Route ER3 provides a non-stop service from Jubail Bus Station in Sharjah city to the rail station, with a travel time of about one hour and 42 minutes.

These new bus services are crucial for connecting smaller towns in Sharjah that previously had limited public transport links to other emirates. Bus journeys are synchronized with train arrivals and departures, and tickets can be purchased using cash or a Sayer Card.