Thousands of plastic bottles recycled for free bus trips in Abu Dhabi

commuter Points are awarded every time they deposit plastic bottles into reverse vending machines installed in major shopping malls in Abu Dhabi bus terminal.

These points are used to earn free public bus travel.

Ateeq Al Mazrouei, acting director of planning for the Integrated Transport Centre, said about 70,000 plastic bottles had been recycled since the initiative was launched in March.

One point is awarded per bottle of 600ml or less, while two points are awarded for larger containers or bottles over 600ml.

Each point is worth 10 fils, so 10 points equals Dh1 ($0.27), which can be transferred to the Hafilat bus card.

The ITC automatic payment system calculates the fare required for the trip and automatically deducts it from the cash value stored on the card through toll machines installed at bus entrances and exits. Bus fares in Abu Dhabi start from AED 2.

Mr. Al Mazrouei explained the goals of the “Plastic Points: Bus Tariffs” initiative.

“The first is to help the environment,” he said.

“The second, is to encourage public transport users to use the bus more often. They should keep the bottle and get points for using public transport.”

Mr Al Mazrouei said the initiative is in line with Abu Dhabi Environment’s mission to encourage a culture of recycling single-use plastic bottles.

In September, EAD placed “Big Zero” devices across the emirate as collection points for people to store single-use plastic bottles. It also launched a “Pile it Up” challenge for schools in Abu Dhabi to collect and return single-use plastic water bottles.

In June, the emirate imposed a single-use plastic bag ban on major retailers. Single-use plastic bags cost 25 fils. The policy aims to reduce their use before banning them entirely within two years.

A bus fare scheme is being piloted at the city’s main bus terminal. More machines will be installed in Abu Dhabi based on the results of the trial.

“We encourage people, whether they use public transport or not, to participate in this initiative because it helps our environment and it will help our future,” said Mr. Al Mazrouei.

Updated: 11/11/2022 7:22am