Tariffs for Public Bus Services
Published: Monday, 26 February, 2024
Published: Monday, 26 February, 2024
Abu Dhabi, on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 - The Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) of the Department of Municipalities and Transport in Abu Dhabi has announced the integration of city and suburban transport services into the "Basic Service," which will be launched on Wednesday, 28th February 2024. This move aims to include wider geographic areas with a simplified and user-friendly fare system to enhance the overall public transport experience in Abu Dhabi. The "Basic Service" fare will be set at 2 dirhams plus an additional 5 fils for every kilometer crossed. The move reflects the ITC’s relentless efforts in encouraging the use of public transport services, striving to realize the increased demand on public transport services, and reinforcing integration between its journeys to provide efficient services across the emirate, which would positively influence environmental sustainability and enhance the quality of life in the Emirate.
Expanding the Geographic Range of Public Transport Permits
The Integrated Transport Centre has expanded the geographical range of public transport permits so that the "Basic Service" includes all areas across the Emirate (excluding intercity services). The updated tariff of Hafilat card is now at the following prices, and is effective as of the date of purchase:
Free transfer when Switching between Public Transport Services
The ITC explained that users of public transport buses can switch between services without paying an additional 2 dirhams (boarding fee).
Conditions:
Calculating the Cost of a Single journey when Switching Buses
When switching buses to use more than one bus in a single journey, it is mandatory to tap the “Hafilat” smart card when boarding and disembarking at the automated payment device located at the bus gates. This ensures that the journey is regarded as a single trip. If passengers fail to tap the card when disembarking, the transfer system will not be applicable, and will lead to the deduction of the boarding fare as well as the entire journey’s fare of the buses used. It is worth mentioning that failure to tap the “Hafilat” smart card when boarding and disembarking using all public transport services may result in penalties of public transport.
Subsidized Prices for Citizen Families of Limited Income
Citizen families of limited income enrolled in social support programs administered by the Abu Dhabi Social Support Authority, or the Ministry of Community Development are entitled to subsidized public transport permits. Accordingly, the 7-day Hafilat card permit is offered at a rate of AED (30), while the 30-day Hafilat card permit is at AED (80) (permits are activated upon purchase). The initiative demonstrates the vision of UAE's leadership to become a model nation in community empowerment and fostering family stability, which aligns with the social welfare framework and quality of life.
Annual Permits for Public Transport Services
No changes will be made to the following categories: free annual permits for seniors and people of determination, along with the annual permits for students worth AED (500). These permits will cover the "Basic Service" in all areas across the Emirate (excluding intercity services). Transport remains free for those under the age of ten.
It is worth mentioning that the number of passenger journeys on public buses in 2023 exceeded 83 million passenger trips. By the end of the last year, the total fleet of public buses in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi reached 825 buses, all equipped with modern and advanced specifications, operating with improved fuel efficiency and environmental sustainability. Public buses are witnessing increasing popularity among the public due to the quality of services, route integration, and the diversification of travel options, allowing users to reach their destinations with convenience, speed, comfort, and safety.