The bus fare comes into effect from February 15, said Saeed Al Hameli, General Manager, Bus Office, Department of Transport.

People can also buy daily and monthly passes, called ‘Ojra’, avoiding the hassle of buying tickets from the driver every time he/she gets into a bus, the official said.

Residents and daily commuters who have been using the free bus services for the past seven months hailed the Dh1 fare, saying it is a boon to low-income passengers.

While a single trip would cost Dh1, the daily pass for unlimited travel from 9am to midnight is for Dh3 and the monthly pass for unlimited travel for Dh40.

“With the Ojra passes, we expect the bus movement to improve by 30 per cent. We intend to familiarise residents and commuters with the public transport mode to reduce traffic snarls and conserve our environment,” Al Hameli said.

The monthly Ojra passes, bought now, will be valid till Match 31, thus giving a lot of extra days for the pass-holders to renew them. “We will also provide free passes to senior citizens and passengers with special needs. They will be available at all Ojra distribution centres,” Al Hameli said.

In the beginning, the DoT will depute a person to sell passes inside each bus until commuters get familiar with the outlets selling them.

Bus commuters can seek more information on toll-free number 800-55555 and log on to www.ojra.ae for bus passes.