The Dubai RTA Nol card system will soon go through a digital upgrade.
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A majority of Dubai residents use the RTA Nol card daily to travel via public transport including bus, metro, and tram. Soon, a new digital upgrade will overhaul this card-based ticketing system to transform it into one that is account-based. The initiative is part of the RTA’s Digital Strategy Roadmap 2023-2030 which aims to position Dubai as a frontrunner of digital innovation in transportation globally and features an AED 350 million investment. His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA stated that “upgrading the nol system contributes to the public transport payment system in Dubai.”
The upgrade means that Dubai residents will be introduced to a digital payment system including a centralized transport fare wallet, which will be the go-to for all planning of routes, booking and pre-paying for trips, and offering a seamless public transport experience in the palm of your hands. The new system will also feature integrated packages for a range of services, alongside the issuance of family and group tickets. Artificial intelligence and facial recognition are also two of the many smart features that the system promises to incorporate for a hassle-free experience. Travelers will have direct access to information such as account balances, travel history, ticket pricing, and fare calculations, while account management will ensure all issued cards are linked to the individual customer’s account, and simplify issues such as lost cards among many others.
Expected to be rolled out towards the end of 2025, this is the first major upgrade that the RTA Nol card system has seen since it was first introduced in 2009 following the launch of the Dubai Metro. Updates in 2017 saw the diversification of the card’s uses, which include payment in RTA taxis, select supermarket stores, pharmacies, and more.
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