Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is revolutionizing public transport payments with the digitalization of its Nol card system.
This upgrade aims to provide residents and visitors with a seamless, secure, and modern payment experience across all modes of public transportation in Dubai.
What are digital Nol cards?
Digital Nol cards are electronic versions of the traditional Nol cards, which have been used since 2009 to pay for fares on Dubai’s metro, buses, trams, water buses, and even taxis.
The digital transformation allows users to manage their accounts and make payments through smartphones, enhancing convenience and accessibility.
Key features of the upgraded Nol system
The RTA’s ongoing upgrade to the Nol system introduces several advanced features:
Account-Based Ticketing (ABT): Users can create digital accounts linked to their Nol cards, enabling flexible fare payments and better management of travel expenses.
Smartphone Integration: Nol cards can be added to smartphone wallets, allowing users to tap in and out of public transport without the need for a physical card.
QR Code Ticketing: Purchase and validate tickets using QR codes through digital channels, simplifying the ticketing process.
Flexible Fare Concept: The new system offers flexible fare options, making public transport more affordable and adaptable to users’ needs.
Phases of the Nol system upgrade
The upgrade is being implemented in three phases:
Central System Enhancement: Developing digital accounts linked to existing Nol cards.
Introduction of Advanced Nol Cards: Launching new Nol cards compatible with international banking standards.
Expansion of Payment Methods: Enabling payments via bank cards and digital wallets across all public transport services.
This comprehensive approach ensures that the Nol system evolves to meet modern payment standards and user expectations.
Benefits of the Digital Nol system
The digitalization of the Nol system offers numerous advantages:
Seamless Travel: Easily move between different modes of public transport without the hassle of multiple tickets or payment methods.
Enhanced User Control: Manage your account settings, monitor transactions, and set up automatic top-ups for uninterrupted travel.
Wider Acceptance: Use your Nol card for payments beyond public transport, including purchases at various retail outlets across the UAE.
Advanced Security: Benefit from secure payment technologies, including options like facial recognition and fingerprint authentication.
How to transition to the Digital Nol System
To take advantage of the digital Nol system, follow these steps:
- Create a Digital Account: Visit the RTA’s official website or use the RTA mobile app to set up your account.
- Link Your Nol Card: Connect your existing Nol card to your digital account for easy management.
- Add to Smartphone Wallet: Integrate your Nol card into your smartphone’s digital wallet for contactless payments.
- Explore Payment Options: Utilize various payment methods, including QR codes, bank cards, and digital wallets, for a personalized travel experience.
The RTA continues to innovate, with plans to further enhance the Nol system by incorporating features like facial recognition and fingerprint authentication for payments. These advancements aim to make public transport in Dubai more user-friendly and secure.
What RTA chief says
Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, stated: “Given the scale of the project, which has a total cost of Dhs 550 million, it has been divided into three key phases.
In the first phase, the central system will be upgraded to create digital accounts for users, linking them to their existing nol cards.
The second phase will introduce a new generation of nol cards, incorporating advanced technologies aligned with international standards to ensure compatibility with banking card technologies.
In the third and final phase, the system upgrade will be completed, enabling the acceptance of alternative payment methods, including bank cards and digital wallets, for public transport fare payments across Dubai.
Al Tayer stated: “Upgrading the nol system will introduce several advanced features and benefits for users. The new system will enable account creation, allowing users to link their nol cards to digital accounts, add nol cards to smartphone wallets, and purchase tickets using QR code technology via digital channels. It will also implement the flexible fare concept across public transport.”
He added: “With the upgraded system, users can create and manage their accounts, link their own and family members’ nol cards, and control account settings, including allocating top-up amounts for each card. They will also have the option to activate automatic balance top-ups by linking their accounts to banking services, view daily transaction statements, and seamlessly suspend cards and retrieve balances.
“Upgrading systems, devices, and smart kiosks at public transport stations will enhance new payment technologies, enabling users to pay fares using a variety of methods, including QR code ticketing, the next generation of nol cards, facial recognition, fingerprint authentication, bank cards, and digital wallets.
“The upgraded system will also extend nol card usage beyond public transport, allowing users to make purchases across digital platforms and retail outlets in the UAE, similar to bank cards.”
Conclusion
The digitalization of the Nol card system marks a significant milestone in Dubai’s commitment to embracing smart technologies and improving public transport services. By transitioning to digital Nol cards, users can enjoy a more convenient, secure, and flexible travel experience across the emirate.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
