Public transportation in the UAE has recently undergone significant improvements, enhancing the commuting experience for residents and visitors alike. Central to this transformation is the Hafilat card program introduced by the Department of Transport in Abu Dhabi in 2015, which replaced cash payments with a more efficient electronic fare system.
The Hafilat card provides users with various options, including contactless smart tickets and personalized cards tailored for students, seniors, and those with special needs. With a comprehensive bus network covering much of Abu Dhabi, understanding the features and benefits of the Hafilat system is essential for navigating the city’s public transport effectively.
What is Hafilat?
Hafilat is a prepaid smart card specifically developed for use on buses in Abu Dhabi. Users tap the card when entering and exiting to ensure that the correct fare is charged. Not tapping the card can lead to fines imposed by ticket inspectors.
This card is limited to Abu Dhabi and cannot be utilized in other emirates, such as Dubai, which employs the Nol card for similar public transport transactions.
Types of Hafilat Cards:
- Various options available
- Different acquisition points
Advantages:
- Convenient fare payments
- Facilitates easy access to transportation
Types Of Hafilat Card
Contactless Smart Ticket (CST)
The Contactless Smart Ticket is a temporary option available at no cost. It remains valid for 30 days and requires users to load funds for public transport usage.
Personalized Hafilat Card
The Personalized Hafilat Card is designed for bus users in Abu Dhabi. It offers the option to personalize or use it anonymously. Users can simply scan the card upon boarding and alighting, which automatically deducts the fare. This card has a lifespan of five years, with a setup fee of 10 AED.
Smart Card for Students, Seniors, and Special Needs Citizens
This card, priced at 5 AED, is available to students, seniors, and individuals with special needs. It remains valid for five years and provides discounted fares for qualified users.
Types Of Hafilat Passes
T-Purse
The T-Purse serves as a digital wallet for public transportation in Abu Dhabi. Users can load funds onto their Hafilat card as required. The fare structure for T-Purse users includes a base fee of 2 AED plus a charge of 5 fils per kilometer for regional buses. For express or intercity services, there is a starting fee of 2 AED along with an added cost of 10 fils per kilometer.
Weekly Pass
The weekly pass is ideal for individuals who frequently travel within Abu Dhabi. It provides unlimited bus rides over a period of seven days, equipped with a wallet amount of 30 AED.
Monthly Pass
This option extends the benefits of the weekly pass for an entire 30 days, allowing unlimited travel within the city. The monthly pass comes with a wallet recharge amount of 80 AED. To acquire any Hafilat passes, users must register through the Hafilat website.
Hafilat Pass for Senior Citizens
Senior citizens are eligible for a special Hafilat pass by submitting a UAE ID, a resident visa, and a lease agreement. This pass is valid for one year and can be renewed once the necessary documents are verified. It permits unlimited bus travel in Abu Dhabi for older individuals.
Hafilat Pass for Special People
This pass facilitates unlimited bus access for individuals with special needs. Registration requires a UAE ID and a valid medical certificate. The pass is issued for one year.
Hafilat Pass for Students
Students can obtain a Hafilat pass by presenting a UAE ID and a student card. Valid for one year, this pass necessitates verification of documents and renewal.
How to Sign Up for a Hafilat Card
To initiate the registration for a Hafilat card, visit the official Hafilat cards website. On the right side of the homepage, find the green button labeled “Register here” and click it. This action will direct him to a pre-registration form requesting various personal information, including:
- Full Name
- Date of Birth
- Emirates ID Number
- Address Information: Street number, location, street name, villa or apartment number
- Zip Code: Enter 0000
- Town: Specify the Emirate or district in Abu Dhabi
- Nationality
- Phone Number
- Email Address
- Personal Photograph: Upload a recent image
- Password: Create a password for the Hafilat account
After completing the form, check the registered email for a verification link from the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC). Click the link to activate the account, then log in with the email and password.
Upon logging in, verify the information entered in the registration form and click the “save” button. Navigate to the “evidences” page to choose the desired card type, such as:
- Senior Citizen Card
- Personal Card
- Student Card
Upload the Emirates ID for verification, then click “confirm” to complete registration. A printout of the card details will be provided. To obtain the physical card, visit a nearby Bus Terminal with the printout and pay the card fee, which ranges from Dh5 to Dh10 based on the type of card selected.
Where to Buy Hafilat Cards in Abu Dhabi?
Places to Obtain Hafilat Card
Individuals seeking Hafilat cards or passes in Abu Dhabi can find them at several convenient locations. These spots include:
- Abu Dhabi International Airport: A key location for travelers.
- Bani Yas Bus Station: Central for local commuters.
- Mussafah Bus Station: Frequently used by residents.
- Shahama Bus Station: An accessible option for nearby areas.
- Al-Ain Bus Station: Serves travelers heading to and from the city.
- Al-Sila Bus Station: Another handy location for residents.
- Ghayathi Bus Station: Suitable for those in remote regions.
- Madinat Zayed Bus Station: A vital hub for public transport.
Transactions for Hafilat cards can be completed at ticket recharge machines and counters located within these bus stations. Passengers must remember to tap the card when getting on and off buses to avoid penalties from the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC). This system promotes efficient travel across the Emirate, ensuring commuters have easy access to necessary passes.
How to Sign Up for a Hafilat Card Online
To complete the online registration for a Hafilat card, individuals can access the Hafilat Darb website or use the Darbi Mobile App, which is available for iOS and Android. Applicants should prepare the following documents:
- Copy of ID card or passport
- Residence visa
The registration fee is AED 5 for students, senior citizens, and people with disabilities. For a standard Hafilat smart card, the cost is AED 10.
How to Recharge Hafilat Card in Abu Dhabi?
Recharging a Hafilat bus card in Abu Dhabi is easy and can be done through various methods. Here’s how individuals can recharge their cards:
- Visit the official Hafilat website.
- Go to the section for recharging, which is usually prominently displayed on the homepage. If a personalized card is not needed, users can skip the registration step and go straight to recharging.
- Input the necessary personal details as prompted.
- Check the current card balance to decide how much additional credit is required.
- Choose a credit amount from the options available, generally between AED 10 and AED 100, in increments of five.
- Confirm the choice and move to the payment segment.
- Enter card details and follow the steps to complete the payment.
- Upon successful payment, an order number along with confirmations via text message and email will be received.
- Allow up to 48 hours for the topped-up amount to appear in the card balance. If immediate access to funds is required for travel, users can utilize kiosks available for cash recharges.
- Additional options include purchasing credit from various recharging points and convenience stores, which feature sales and recharge machines.
- Online methods, such as the Darbi app or the official Hafilat website, are also available for users.
How much does a trip cost?
The ticket prices vary based on the travel zone—whether within Abu Dhabi, its suburbs, or intercity connections. Specific fare details include:
- Local trips (within Abu Dhabi): AED 2
- Regional trips (to suburbs): AED 2 + AED 0.05 for each kilometer
- Intercity trips (between emirates): AED 10 + AED 0.10 for each kilometer
Bus Routes
How to Locate a Public Bus Route
Finding a bus route in Abu Dhabi is straightforward. Users can visit the Darbi website to access the ‘Journey Planning’ feature. By entering both the starting point and destination, along with the desired travel time, the site generates a recommended route and indicates which buses to take. Additionally, the ITC has partnered with Google to display current bus routes on Google Maps. By selecting the bus icon within the Google Maps application, users can view nearby bus options easily.
FAQs
What is a Hafilat card?
The Hafilat card, introduced in 2015, serves as a smart payment method for bus fares in Abu Dhabi.
How can money be added to a Hafilat card?
Users can recharge their Hafilat card at multiple locations such as ticket recharge machines, designated sales offices, MBME recharge machines, or online via the Darbi app or website.
What is the price of a Hafilat card?
The Hafilat card costs AED 10 and remains valid for five years. Various passes are also available, including a weekly pass for AED 30, a monthly pass for AED 80, and a yearly pass for AED 500. Senior citizens and People of Determination are entitled to free annual passes.
Is it possible to use a Nol card in Abu Dhabi?
Although the Nol card, which is specific to Dubai’s public transportation network, works for intercity buses traveling from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, it cannot be utilized for Abu Dhabi’s local transport system.
How to check the balance of a Hafilat card online?
To verify the balance on a Hafilat card, users can either visit the ITC government website or create an online account that allows access to balance information.
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