Thursday, Dec 26, 2013
Abu Dhabi: Residents in the capital have stated that the new Hafilat cards, which will facilitate automated payment on board inter-city buses will eliminate the number of unauthorised free-riders.
The Department of Transport (DoT) announced that the Hafilat (meaning ‘buses’) cards will be rolled out in 2014 although they did not specify the exact date. The cards will be rechargeable and card validators installed at Abu Dhabi and Al Ain bus entrances will instantly calculate and deduct individual passengers’ fares as they get off the bus.
“This makes much more sense to me now because I currently have to pay Dh80 to use a card that expires every month even if I do not use it every day. At least with the new cards, we will be charged more fairly depending on our number of trips,” said Rebecca Nanyange, a 26 year-old Ugandan Customer Service worker at an Abu Dhabi shopping centre.
“I have seen some people wave their expired cards at bus drivers for their trips because the drivers often don’t check each and every card. So an automatic system will basically eliminate the chances of such a thing happening,” she added.
The card validating machines will also inform users if their cards have insufficient balance. In this case, passengers can purchase a temporary Hafilat card or they can pay the driver who will recharge their permanent card for them. Some users said that the new system will prevent delays caused by lack of loose change.
“I normally have to wait until the driver gives me back my change. In cases when he does not have any, he would sign my ticket and tell me to come back the next day to take the money from him. If I forget that ticket, or forget to give it to him, then my chances of getting my money back is gone,” said Manylin, a Filipina waitress.
“I have lived in Dubai for two years before coming to the capital, and I have seen how convenient Nol cards are and the idea that something similar will be implemented here makes me relieved,” she added.
Meanwhile, other bus-users were sceptical towards the financial practicality of the project, stating that it will most likely cause bus fares to rise.
DoT officials revealed that it will also make available a mobile application or an online feature that will enable users to recharge their cards at their own convenience.
Khaled Mohammad Hashem, Executive Director of the Land Sector at the DoT, said in an earlier statement: “Following the rollout of the service, the DoT will work to equip the cards with … the potential to pay for other transport related services including taxis, ferries, Mawaqif or even possibly to pay for other non-transport related services such as cinemas and football matches.
By Nada Al Taher Staff Reporter
Gulf News 2013. All rights reserved.
