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29 March 2024

Smart cards for Abu Dhabi public buses

Hafilat cards can be recharged using cash or credit card payments via automated payment devices. (File)

Published
By Wam

In its continuous pursuit to develop and improve public bus service in terms of accessibility and sustainability, the Department of Transport in Abu Dhabi (DoT Abu Dhabi) announced on Tuesday the launch of its new automated payment system with ‘Hafilat’ smart cards that are designed to pay public bus fares in Abu Dhabi as of May 15.

The new payment cards also enable adding a certain balance and recharging them apart from including other services such as weekly and monthly passes.

Operating these contactless cards is simple – commuters just need to pass them over the fare collection devices installed at the entrances of buses. Thus the new system offers a smooth and smart bus-fare collection within seconds as well as helps reduce congestions while boarding/descending from buses.

Hafilat automated payment system will be implemented in phases on all public buses throughout Abu Dhabi.

"This smart card or ticket deducts the fare of bus trips directly from cash value stored in the T-Purse. The fare is calculated automatically based on the distance of passengers’ journey from the moment they board the bus until they descent," said Mohammed Nasser Al Otaiba, Acting General Manager of Bus Office at DoT.

The launch will also reduce queues before bus drivers as it will only allow authorised passengers to board buses. This will also eliminate free rides.

Al Otaiba explained that these cards have distinct features that enable passengers to register their cards in order to protect their balance in the event of card loss or theft, as well as allow frequent bus users to avail special offers and loyalty programmes.

Hafilat cards can also be recharged using cash or credit card payments via automated payment devices distributed across the emirate.