Abu Dhabi: No card, no ride

Abu Dhabi: If you don’t have a Hafilat card, you may as well forget about riding public buses in the capital.

From October 1 it has become mandatory for bus passengers to use the automated fare collection system instead of cash.

Commuters not carrying the Hafilat card are being asked to get off.

“I know we are supposed to use this new card, but I had no idea they would be so strict about not having it,” said a passenger who was offloaded in the middle of the road recently.

Rafiq Mohammad, a regular commuter, said he was not allowed on a bus on his way back from work because he didn’t have the Hafilat card. “The driver just wouldn’t let me in. I found it strange because I had travelled on the same route in the morning and paid in cash,” said the man from Kerala, India.

Overview

The automated payment system was introduced by the Department of Transport (DoT) last May with plans to phase out cash payments gradually.

Commuters were urged to buy or top up Hafilat cards at automated vending machines installed at bus stops, bus stations and shopping malls across the city.

These machines can print permanent and temporary cards as well recharge credit using cash or credit cards. A total of 140 Swift Reloading machines have been installed in bus stops and shopping malls and various government buildings. Passengers have to scan the cards while boarding and leaving the buses. DoT reckons the automated payment system will reduce congestion and prevent people from taking free rides.

While many passengers hail the automated system as hassle-free, there are many who are yet to come to terms with it. Filipino nurse Melanie Pinto said she bought a card for Dh30 but ran out of credit within a week.

“I was told I should have opted for a permanent card and not a temporary one that is valid for just one week,” she said

Hiccups

Another commuter, Jennet Alves said the vending machine in front of Al Wahda mall was not working when she tried to top up her card two weeks back.

“I don’t know whether the machine was faulty or whether I did something wrong. But I always see people struggling with the machine,” said Alves, a student.

“I think it would be a good idea if they deployed some staff to assist commuters in the few weeks,” she said.

However, Shakeel Hussain who commutes between Mussafah and Salam Street daily hails the system as hassle-free.

“I used to carry coins to buy tickets. Now it is so easy. I can just swipe a card and pay,” he says.

Customers can report complaints at DoT’s customer care number at 800 555555.