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Abu Dhabi bus tariff announced
By Samir Salama, Associate Editor

A transport official said commuters can now buy monthly, daily or single passes, a monthly pass costs Dh40, a dailypass Dh3 and a single trip will cost Dh1.
Abu Dhabi: Commuters in Abu Dhabi will have to pay for bus rides from February 15, after enjoying free rides for more than seven months, it was announced on Monday.
Initially, it was planned to introduce a fare system at the beginning of January 1, but the period was extended.
Commuters can now buy monthly, daily or single passes; a monthly pass costs Dh40, a daily pass Dh3 and a single trip will cost Dh1, said Saeed Al Hameli, general manager, Bus Office of Abu Dhabi Department of Transport.
Monthly and daily "Ojra" passes, which offer an unlimited number of trips, are already on sale at around 22 outlets, said the official.
As a special incentive, people buying monthly passes are being given an extended validity until March 31. Others who opt to buy single trips will have to pay from February 15. Senior citizens and people with special needs can travel for free, said the official.
Al Hameli earlier said the Department of Transport plans to serve as many as 70,000 to 80,000 commuters a day.
Al Hameli, who says he his family enjoy hassle-free travel on public buses in Abu Dhabi, told a press conference the fare payment structure has been developed after months of study.
"Ojra, or Arabic for fare, has been created with the goal of allowing quick boarding, through any of the bus doors. This is expected to speed up bus movement by 30 per cent."
He added the department believes the cost of Ojra passes and bus tickets are reasonable, and provide best value for money.

"We are hoping this will encourage wider ridership patronage," he said.

Al Hameli said the introduction of Ojra was made possible by the generous support of the Abu Dhabi Government whose goal is to provide modern, safe and affordable public transportation in the emirate.
"Ojra will help passengers save car fuel and maintenance costs, and provide an attractive alternative to driving and the need to find parking. Finally using public transport will reduce congestion on roads, thus lowering pollution levels and creating a cleaner, greener and healthier environment," said Al Hameli.
The Department of Transport, he said, has made arrangements to make Ojra passes available through multiple outlets and branded kiosks, and more outlets will be added to the list in the days to come.

"We aim to make Ojra passes available everywhere."

He urged the media and the public to give their feedback, as the Department of Transport looks on them as partners in shaping the new transport system and raising public awareness on the benefits of using public transport.

Toll free number to call

Bus commuters can dial the toll-free number 800 55555 for inquiries about routes and services as well as to provide feedback. Timetables can be collected from bus stands.