Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority Makes Significant Progress on Nol System Upgrade
DUBAI (ALETIHAD/WAM)
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) of Dubai has announced notable advancements in the revitalization of its public transport ticketing system, having completed 40 percent of the upgrade to the nol system. This project, a strategic transition from the traditional card-based ticketing approach to a more sophisticated account-based ticketing (ABT) framework, is set to enhance user convenience and payment flexibility across the emirate. The full completion of this ambitious initiative is expected by the end of the third quarter of 2026.
Mattar Al Tayer, who serves as the Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, elaborated on the scale and significance of this undertaking, which has an estimated budget of Dh550 million. The upgrade is structured into three integral phases designed to modernize and streamline the user experience in Dubai’s bustling transport sector.
Phase 1: Creating Digital Accounts
The initial phase focuses on upgrading the central system with the objective of establishing digital accounts for users. This service will create a direct link between users’ existing nol cards and their new digital accounts, setting a foundation for enhanced functionalities that will follow. By transitioning to a digital account structure, RTA aims to consolidate users’ fare management into a single platform, facilitating easier access and improved service delivery.
Phase 2: Introduction of Advanced Nol Cards
Following the digital account creation, the second phase will see the introduction of a new generation of nol cards. These upgraded cards will integrate contemporary technologies that align with global standards, thus ensuring full compatibility with existing banking card technologies. The aim is to create a seamless and secure environment for transactions, mirroring the ease of use found in modern digital payment systems.
Phase 3: Seamless Payment Integrations
The final phase will culminate in a comprehensive system upgrade designed to accept a wider range of payment methods. As Dubai continues to embrace digital innovation, users will soon have the ability to pay their public transport fares utilizing not only the revamped nol cards but also bank cards and digital wallets. This expansion aligns with global trends in mobility solutions, reflecting a shift toward cashless and user-friendly payment systems.
Al Tayer commented on the expected benefits of the upgraded nol system, highlighting its capacity to significantly enhance user experience. One of the primary advantages will be the ability for users to create and manage their accounts efficiently. Users will have the option to link multiple nol cards—belonging to themselves or family members—providing centralized control over the associated settings and transactions.
Moreover, the system will introduce flexibility by allowing automatic balance top-ups linked with banking services, thus ensuring that users can travel without interruptions. Additional features such as the viewing of daily transaction statements, the ability to suspend cards should they be misplaced, and the retrieval of balances, will provide a comprehensive suite of options for users seeking transparency and control over their travel expenses.
To support these advancements, RTA will upgrade systems, devices, and smart kiosks at public transport stations, thereby enhancing user engagement with the new payment technologies. Patrons will benefit from diverse methods for fare payment, including QR code ticketing, advanced facial recognition systems, fingerprint authentication, and the aforementioned compatibility with bank cards and digital wallets.
Furthermore, the enhanced capabilities of the nol card will expand beyond public transport services, allowing users to conduct transactions at various digital platforms and retail outlets throughout the UAE, thereby extending its functionality akin to that of a traditional bank card.
As Dubai positions itself at the forefront of technological integration in public services, this significant upgrade to the nol system is more than a mere modernization of ticketing infrastructure; it is a forward-thinking initiative aimed at fostering a more connected, efficient, and user-friendly urban travel experience.
RTA’s commitment to embracing state-of-the-art solutions not only reflects the emirate’s aspirations for innovation in public transportation but also exemplifies its dedication to enhancing the overall quality of life for residents and visitors alike.
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