Abu Dhabi Implements New Unified Bus Fares

Abu Dhabi's Unified Bus Fares

Abu Dhabi Implements New Unified Bus Fares

Abu Dhabi has initiated a comprehensive overhaul of its public transport fare system, unifying city and suburban transport services under the newly introduced 'Standard Service'. Effective from February 28, this initiative aims to streamline fare structures and provide passengers with a more accessible and user-friendly transportation experience throughout the emirate.

Under the 'Standard Service' fare system, passengers will pay a boarding fee of Dh2, along with an additional charge of 5 fils for every kilometer traveled. The total fare for each journey is capped at Dh5, ensuring affordability and accessibility for commuters across a wider geographic area.

One of the key features of the new fare system is the ability for passengers to seamlessly transfer between different bus services without incurring an additional boarding fee. Passengers can tap into another service within 60 minutes of their last tap-out, with a maximum of two transfers allowed using three buses. However, transfers must be made in the same direction as the original journey, and specific conditions apply when transferring between Abu Dhabi Link services and public transportation bus Standard Services.

Calculating the cost of a journey when switching buses is based on the distance traveled between the point of boarding and alighting. It is essential for passengers to tap their 'Hafilat' card on the reader when boarding and alighting from each bus to ensure that the journey is recognized as a single trip. Failure to tap the card may result in penalties, including the deduction of the entire bus route cost when using the card again.

To further enhance accessibility, the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) has expanded the coverage of public transport passes to include city and suburban areas in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra, excluding intercity services. Passengers can purchase a 7-day pass for Dh35 or a 30-day pass for Dh95, effective immediately upon purchase. Passes under the previous system will cease to be sold as of February 27, with updated passes available for purchase starting February 28.

Certain groups, such as seniors, people of determination, and students, continue to benefit from free or subsidized transportation options. Annual passes for seniors and people of determination, along with one companion, remain free of charge, while student passes are priced at Dh500 annually. Emirati families enrolled in social support programs are eligible for subsidized public transport passes, with the 7-day pass offered at Dh30 and the 30-day pass at Dh80.

Passes issued before February 28 will remain valid until their expiration date, providing coverage for the Standard Service within Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra, excluding suburban areas. It's important to note that transportation remains free for children aged 10 and below.

This comprehensive overhaul of Abu Dhabi's public transport fare system reflects the government's commitment to improving accessibility and affordability for residents and visitors alike. By introducing a unified fare structure and expanding the coverage of public transport passes, Abu Dhabi aims to enhance the overall public transportation experience and encourage greater use of sustainable modes of transportation across the emirate.