Sayer Card Guide: Price, Recharge, and Balance Check for Sharjah Bus
Stop fumbling for exact change. Discover how the Sayer Card saves you money on every Sharjah bus trip. From pricing to recharging on the go, here is everything you need to know.
By Rifat Hossain
The Sayer Card Guide: Purchase, Recharge & Balance Check
Sharjah bus card users rely on the Sayer Card as the essential tool for seamless travel across the emirate. The Sayer Card is a smart, cashless payment system operated by Mowasalat under the Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority (SRTA), designed to eliminate the need for carrying exact change while offering significant fare discounts. Similar to Dubai's Nol card, this system improves convenience for daily commuters and tourists by speeding up boarding times and reducing transaction hassles.
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Sayer Card Types and Pricing
Choosing the right Sayer Card depends entirely on your travel frequency, as the system offers distinct tiers for occasional riders and daily commuters.
Blue Card (Discount Card)
The Blue Card is a pay-as-you-go option designed for occasional travelers who do not commute daily. Using this card provides a 25% discount on standard fares, bringing the cost down from AED 8 (cash) to AED 6 per trip.
| Purchase Amount | Card Balance Included | One-Time Fee | Total Cost | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AED 50 | AED 45 | AED 5 | AED 50 | 5 Years |
| AED 95 | AED 90 | AED 5 | AED 95 | 5 Years |
| AED 185 | AED 180 | AED 5 | AED 185 | 5 Years |
Note: The AED 5 one-time fee covers the cost of the card and includes VAT. This fee is deducted from the initial balance but is refunded upon future recharges.
Grey Card (Subscription Card)
The Grey Card is the optimal choice for regular commuters who use Mowasalat Sharjah buses daily. It operates on a monthly subscription model, offering unlimited travel across all routes for 30 consecutive days.
- Monthly Subscription Fee: AED 225
- Initial Cost: AED 5 (card fee)
- Benefit: Unlimited trips without worrying about individual fare calculations.
Exempt Category Cards
Specialized cards are available for specific demographic groups, providing free or subsidized travel.
- White Card: A free travel card exclusively for People of Determination (with a Ministry of Community Development card) and social assistance beneficiaries.
- Exempt Category Card: Available for elderly residents (60+ years). The initial issuance is free for the first year, with a renewal cost of approximately AED 26.25.
Where to Buy Sharjah Bus Card
Finding where to buy Sharjah bus card is straightforward as they are widely available across the transport network.
- On Mowasalat Buses: You can purchase a new Sayer Card directly from the driver while boarding any bus. Simply request a new card and pay the driver in cash.
- Al Jubail Bus Terminal: The main transport hub in Sharjah features dedicated ticketing counters and vending machines.
- Authorized Merchants: Various retail sales points across the city stock the cards.
Important: Currently, there is no online purchase option for new cards. You must buy the physical card in person.
How to Perform a Sharjah Bus Card Recharge
Sharjah bus card recharge processes are designed for cash-based convenience, as there is currently no online top-up system or mobile app integration.
Method 1: On the Bus (Most Convenient)
Recharging directly with the driver is the most common method.
- Board any Mowasalat bus.
- Hand your Sayer Card to the driver.
- Pay the desired amount in cash (e.g., AED 45 or AED 90 for Blue Cards; AED 225 for Grey Cards).
- Receive your card back along with a receipt showing the new balance.
Method 2: Physical Locations
You can also top up at Al Jubail Bus Terminal counters or specific Sayer Card vending machines using cash.
Warning: The system does not support credit/debit cards or digital wallets on the bus. Always carry cash for recharges.
Sharjah Bus Card Balance Check Methods
Performing a sharjah bus card balance check differs from other modern systems due to the lack of a dedicated mobile app.
- The Receipt Method: Every time you tap your card or recharge, the driver provides a paper receipt. This ticket explicitly displays your remaining card balance. This is the most reliable way to track your funds.
- Vending Machines: You can check your balance without making a purchase at any Sayer Card vending machine.
- Online Portal (Registered Only): If you have registered your card, you may be able to check the balance via the Whyser platform, though availability can be limited.
Why Registration is Critical
Registering your Sayer Card is the only way to protect your funds if the card is lost or stolen. An unregistered card is treated like cash; if you lose it, the balance is gone forever.
Benefits of Registration:
- Balance Protection: Transfer your remaining credit to a new card.
- Hot-listing: Immediately block a lost card to prevent unauthorized use.
How to Register: Visit the Mowasalat website or the SRTA portal. You will need to provide your 16-digit Sayer Card number and your Emirates ID details.
Sayer Card vs. Cash: A Cost Comparison
Switching to a Sharjah bus card offers immediate financial benefits compared to paying cash for every trip.
| Feature | Cash Payment | Sayer Blue Card | Sayer Grey Card |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fare Per Trip | AED 8 | AED 6 | Unlimited |
| Monthly Cost (Daily Commute) | ~AED 240 | ~AED 180 | AED 225 |
| Convenience | Needs Exact Change | Tap & Go | Tap & Go |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Sayer Card for Dubai buses?
No, the Sayer Card is valid only for Mowasalat Sharjah buses. For travel to Dubai (e.g., on E303 or E307), you must use a Dubai RTA Nol Card.
Is there a Sayer Card app?
No, there is currently no official mobile app for checking balances or topping up. You must rely on physical receipts and cash recharges.
What is the maximum balance limit?
The maximum credit you can hold on a Sayer Card is AED 180.
Your Next Commute Step
If you are planning to commute tomorrow, ensure you have AED 50 in cash. Board any Mowasalat bus, purchase a Blue Sayer Card from the driver, and immediately save the receipt to track your starting balance. Register your card online as soon as you get home to secure your credit.
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