If you’re a fan of public buses as your go-to mode of transport due to its convenience, affordability, and eco-friendliness, utilizing a bus card is the smartest way to manage your bus fares. While a standard bus ticket permits a single journey, a savvy bus card allows you the freedom to traverse multiple destinations with a simple scan as you embark and disembark from the bus.
Across the UAE, five Emirates have embraced the concept of bus cards: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, and Ras Al Khaimah. Each Emirates presents its unique card system to cater to diverse transportation needs.
Abu Dhabi – Hafilat Card When it comes to navigating Abu Dhabi, the Hafilat card stands as the most seamless payment method for bus fares. This card streamlines your bus experience – a quick scan upon boarding or alighting calculates the ride’s cost and deducts the amount from your card balance. The Intergrated Transport Centre (ITC) administers the Hafilat card on behalf of Abu Dhabi’s official transport authority.
Fare Structure in Abu Dhabi:
- Local trips (within Abu Dhabi city): Dh2
- Regional trips (from suburbs): Dh2 + Dh0.05 per kilometer.
- Intercity trips (between Emirates): Dh10 + Dh0.1 per kilometer.
Variants of Hafilat Card:
- Contactless Smart Card (CSC) Anonymous – Dh10.
- Contactless Smart Card (CSC) Personalized – Dh10.
- Contactless Smart Card (CSC) Senior Citizen – Dh5.
- Contactless Smart Card (CSC) for People of Determination – Dh5.
- Contactless Smart Card (CSC) for students – Dh5.
All cards remain valid for five years and necessitate a recharge amount upon purchase.
Acquiring a Hafilat Card: For first-time users, visit the official Hafilat cards website – www.hafilat.darb.ae. Register by providing personal details, address, and a passport-sized photo. Once the online application is complete, collect your card from an Abu Dhabi bus terminal or apply at bus stations equipped with ticket machines or counters.
Dubai – Nol Card Dubai introduces the versatile Nol card, facilitating travel across bus, Metro, tram, taxi, ferry, and public parking payments. Issued by Dubai’s Roads and Transportation Authority (RTA), this card offers comprehensive transport access.
Three Nol Card Options:
- Nol Silver Card: Dh25 (with Dh19 usable balance) – Valid for five years.
- Nol Gold Card: Dh25 (with Dh19 usable balance) – Access to Gold Class cabins. Valid for five years.
- Nol Blue Card: Personalized card linked to Emirates ID, Dh70 (with Dh20 usable balance). Eligible for discounts if you’re a student, senior citizen, or a Person of Determination.
Fare Structure in Dubai: Pricing is zone-based. Trips within the same zone, regardless of transport mode, count as a single journey if the switch occurs within 30 minutes. Each zone crossed incurs a charge.
Sharjah – Sayer Card Sharjah residents can opt for the Sayer card system offered by the Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority (SRTA). It offers two categories:
- Sayer Discount Card: Dh45 or Dh90, plus a one-time payment of Dh5. Valid for five years.
- Sayer Subscription Card: Dh225, offering unlimited 30-day travel, rechargeable monthly.
Fare Structure in Sharjah:
- Sayer Discount Card holders: Dh6 within Sharjah on public buses.
- Non-Sayer Card holders: Dh8 for cash tickets.
Ajman – Masaar Card Ajman’s Masaar card facilitates bus travel. Apply online through Ajman Transport Authority’s website – ta.gov.ae or visit the Al Musalla bus station. A Dh25 payment grants Dh20 card balance.
Fare Structure in Ajman:
- Masaar Card holders: From Dh3 per passenger.
- Non-Masaar Card holders: From Dh5.
Ras Al Khaimah – E-Saqr Card Recently introduced, Ras Al Khaimah’s E-Saqr cards offer three categories:
- Blue Card: Dh30 cost, Dh20 balance.
- Silver Card: Dh20 cost (students, senior citizens, residents over 60), Dh10 balance.
- Gold Card: Free for People of Determination, trip charges apply.
Fare Structure in Ras Al Khaimah:
- Dh5 to Dh10 depending on route.
Purchasing and Applying for Cards: Card acquisition methods vary. Visit stations, websites, or dedicated counters.
In each Emirates, public transport cards streamline travel, ensuring an effortless and efficient journey. Make the most of these card systems tailored to the Emirates’ transportation landscape.
