Dubai to instal automated passenger counting in new buses to curb fare evasion

Commuters caught dodging bus fares will get a fine of Dh200

An automated passenger counting (APC) system will be instaled in new buses that will be soon rolled out by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to curb fare evasion. The system works by recording actual passenger numbers and matching them against the automated fare collection.

Currently, the bus system in Dubai lets the passengers enter the bus in good faith that they will tap their Nol cards upon entering and exiting the bus. However, there have been instances where passengers have skipped doing it. Commuters in Dubai caught dodging bus fares will get a fine of Dh200.

The APC system will be installed in the 636 new buses that will be deployed this year and next year, including 40 electric buses, 146 articulated and double-decker buses for high-density areas and 450 city service buses.