In world first, Uber offers rail reservation in Saudi Arabia

Uber is collaborating with Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) to offer pre-bookings for up to four rides to and from seven train stations across six cities in the kingdom. For the ride-hailing giant, the collaboration with a rail transport provider is a global first. It will benefit both commuters and visitors to Saudi Arabia. 

Uber’s reservation product allows passengers to pre-book up to four rides via the SAR website and app. The service will be available to and from stations on the North Train Line in Riyadh, Majmaah and Qassim; and stations on the East Train Line in Riyadh, Hofuf, Abqaiq and Dammam. SAR expects to extend the service to further stations in the future. 

As bookings can be made up to 90 days in advance, the offer will make it easier for passengers to pre-plan end-to-end journeys in Saudi Arabia. Those journeys will also become more seamless, and more hassle-free. 

The launch the reservation product is the second phase of Uber’s partnership with SAR. In 2021, both parties signed an agreement to streamline commuter pick-ups and drop-offs at train stations. The partnership fits in with Saudi Arabia’s overall Vision 2030 goal to modernize its transport infrastructure and services. 

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