Sharjah bus paper ticket up by Dh1, no hike in fare for prepaid card users

Sharjah — The Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority (SRTA) on Wednesday announced a Dh1 hike in the fare of its public buses. The fare, however, remains unchanged for trips undertaken with the Sayer prepaid card. A senior SRTA official revealed that about 14,720 passengers use paper tickets daily while using the public transport service, while only 1,280 use the Sayer cards. Within Sharjah, the bus fare is Dh5, while for intercity services, the maximum fare is Dh30. The Dh1 hike, the official said, will encourage the use of the cards. Abdulaziz Al Jarwan, Director of the SRTA for Transport Affairs, said the hike was put in place on April 1. “The hike is expected to increase the use of Sayer cards from eight per cent to 50 per cent.” The decision will cut costs associated with inspectors assigned to monitor passengers, he said. Al Jarwan indicated that they would terminate the surplus staff and make better use of the bus drivers. The Sayer card is available in three denominations: Dh45, Dh90 and Dh180, he said. Official figures showed a 10 per cent increase in Sayer cards sold recently. “We have sold 925 Sayer cards in just one week.” Al Jarwan said passengers may purchase and recharge their Sayer cards on Sharjah buses. “The card may be purchased for Dh5. The balance on the Sayer card can be easily transferred to a new card for free.” -Khaleej Times