New unified bus fare system implemented in Abu Dhabi: understanding passes and concessions

The standard service fare is set at 2 dirhams boarding fee plus 5 fils for each kilometer, and users can switch between bus services without paying an additional fee.

Abu Dhabi introduced a new public transport fare system that integrates urban and suburban transport services into the ‘Standard Service’, which will be implemented on February 28.

The ‘Standard Service’ fare will be set at 2 ADH (boarding fee) plus an additional 5 fils for each kilometer traveled, with a cost limited to 5 ADH per trip, depending on the Integrated Transportation Center (TIC).

This aims to include wider geographical areas with a simplified and user-friendly fare system to improve the overall public transport experience in Abu Dhabi.

Passengers using public transport buses can transfer seamlessly between services without incurring an additional boarding fee of Dh2.

The conditions are detailed below:

• Access the other service within 60 minutes of the last tap-out.
• Do not transfer in the opposite direction to the direction of travel.
• Maximum 2 transfers using 3 buses.
• Transfer conditions apply between the Abu Dhabi Link service and standard public transport bus services.

Calculate the cost of a single trip when changing buses:

Fares are calculated based on the distance traveled between the boarding and disembarkation point. It is mandatory to insert the ‘Hafilat’ card into the reader when getting on and off each bus to ensure that the trip is considered a single trip.

Failure to use the card may result in penalties and deduction of the cost of the entire bus route when using the card again. This applies in case of not performing the tap-out when transferring between services or using the bus again, since it is assumed that the passenger continued traveling until the end of the route. Passengers are advised to remember to touch the reader with their card when boarding and exiting each bus.

Public transport passes:

The department has expanded the geographical range of public transport passes so that the standard service includes urban and suburban areas in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra (excluding intercity services). Public transport passes now have the following prices and are effective from the date of purchase:

• The 7-day pass costs 35 dirhams.
• The 30-day pass costs Dh95.
• The updated passes will be sold starting February 28, 2024.
• The passes that operated under the previous system will stop being sold starting February 27.

No changes have been made to free annual passes for seniors and determined people plus a companion, as well as annual passes for students valued at Dh500.

These passes will continue to provide coverage for the Standard Service in all areas of the emirate, excluding intercity services. Additionally, transportation remains free for people ages 10 and under.

All passes issued before February 28 will remain valid until expiration; They will be active within the city only in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra; and do not cover suburban areas; standard service is not included.

Subsidized prices for Emirati families:

Limited-income Emirati families enrolled in social support programs are entitled to subsidize public transportation passes. Thus, the 7-day pass is offered at the price of 30 dirhams, while the 30-day pass costs 80 dirhams.

News Source: Khaleej Times