plain words
Top up bus card
Transit card glossary
A short glossary of the terms you meet during a bus card recharge, in plain language.
| Term | What it means |
|---|---|
| Hafilat card | The contactless smart card used to pay fares on public buses in the Abu Dhabi Emirate. |
| Card number | The 10-digit reference printed on the front of the card. You enter it to top up bus card value. |
| Stored value | The balance held on the card. Fares are deducted from it each time you tap. |
| Top-up (recharge) | Adding value to the stored balance so you can keep travelling. |
| Standard (Silver) | The everyday card category for regular riders. |
| Personal card | A card issued in the holder's name; the name is needed when topping it up. |
| Senior / Student | Categories with a reduced fare once the eligible status is registered. |
| Tap | Holding the card against the reader when boarding to pay the fare. |
| AED | The UAE Dirham — the currency used for fares and top-ups. |