The Department of Transport (DoT) in Abu Dhabi and UAE Red Crescent have signed a MoU to make ‘Ojra’ bus passes available through 25 Red Crescent kiosks spread across the emirate of Abu Dhabi.

The partnership will bring Ojra closer to the public, as the Red Crescent kiosks are located at strategic points, including inside major shopping malls and many other public places.

The deal was signed by Saeed Al Hameli, general manager – Bus Office, DoT and Mohamed Ibrahim Al Hamadi, deputy secretary-general for local affairs, UAE Red Crescent, at the DoT headquarters in Abu Dhabi.

“The Department of Transport’s objective is to attract more users to the public transport. To achieve this goal, the support of various stakeholders, including government, semi-government and private sector organisations is crucial,” said Al Hameli.

"We are delighted to announce that UAE Red Crescent Society, well-known for supporting humanitarian and social causes, is among the first organisations to extend support by putting at our disposal its network of 25 kiosks."

"We would like to thank Red Crescent Society for this gesture which, we are confident, will greatly boost our efforts to make our ‘Ojra’ passes available to the public at convenient locations,” Al Hameli added.

“As a social and charitable organisation, UAE Red Crescent Society has always put humanitarian and social causes first,” said Mohamed Ibrahim Al Hamadi, deputy secretary – General for Local Affairs, Red Crescent Society.

“We share Abu Dhabi’s vision of creating a less polluted city by providing commuter-friendly public transportation. We are delighted to team up with DoT to take the Ojra bus cards to the public through our network of kiosks.”

Commenting on the Ojra fare structure, which was implemented from March 1,  Al Hameli said the response from the general public had exceeded DoT’s expectations.

“We are greatly encouraged by the response, and we are increasing our efforts to make Ojra cards more accessible to the public through multiple outlets.”

Al Hameli emphasised that it was part of corporate social responsibility of private and public sector companies to support social causes like public transport usage.

“We would like more organisations and companies to support the availability of Ojra cards to the public. By associating with public service campaigns they can enhance their brand profile and get closer to the people,” he added.

Bus commuters can obtain monthly Ojra cards for Dh40 ($10.8), daily cards for Dh3, or single ticket for Dh1. The Monthly and Daily ‘Ojra’ cards can be obtained at bus stands, Ojra-branded kiosks and now at Red Crescent kiosks in Abu Dhabi.-TradeArabia News Service