The Abu Dhabi Department of Transport (DoT) has unveiled ‘Ojra’, the new paid fare structure for bus travel within the city - starting from Dh40 ($10.8) monthly pass to Dh3 daily pass - that comes into effect from February 15.

Ojra offers monthly and daily passes for hassle-free travel, without the need for buying tickets from the driver.

As a special incentive to passengers buying a monthly Ojra pass now, DoT is offering an extended validity until March 31, 2009.

Starting Sunday, bus travellers in the UAE capital will have the following options. They can either obtain a Dh40 monthly pass for unlimited travel for a whole month; Dh3 day pass for unlimited travel for one day or buy a single-trip ticket for Dh1.

The DoT said free passes will be available for senior citizens and passengers with special needs.

The Monthly and Day ‘Ojra’ passes can be purchased at bus stands, and Ojra-branded kiosks at Marina Mall, Khalidiya Police Station, Central Bank, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank and other selected outlets.

Addressing a press conference, Saeed Al Hameli, general manager – Bus Office, DoT, said: "We are pleased to introduce ‘Ojra’, the fare payment structure that has been developed after months of study."

"Ojra 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 noted.

“We believe that 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,” added Al Hameli.

He 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,” Al Hameli stated.

DoT 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. DoT’s aim is to make Ojra passes available everywhere.

Bus commuters can dial toll-free number 800 55555 for inquiries about routes and services as well as for providing their feedback. Timetable booklets can be collected from bus stands, he added.-TradeArabia News Service