Tap to top-up your NOL card!
dubai — The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is all set to launch the final version of the Smart Fare project to the public in October, having gone through the trial version this month.
The new service will be added to the Public Transport App, and the app’s smart services will be upgraded in an effort to provide streamlined services to the public, as part of the RTA’s strategic goal of helping form a Smart Dubai and make people happy.
The upgraded app uses Near Field Connectivity (NFC) to support the current services and enable the launch of new services connected to the NoL card as a means of payment. Thanks to NFC technology, it will be possible to read and update NoL cards directly through smartphones using the Android operating system.
“The Smart Fare project uses the NFC technology, i.e. tapping NOL card on smartphones (Android devices) in which the Public Transport Smart App is uploaded. The customer would then be able to top-up the NOL card instantly, and buy a bus and metro permit without visiting ticket counters or renew such a permit,” said Khaled Al Awadi, Director of Automated Fare Collection, Technology Support Services Sector, RTA.
“Services will be paid for by entering the customer’s credit card details to the app in coordination with the Smart Dubai Government. New features added to the app include credit transfer from a card to another, and inquiry about journeys made through the NOL card.”
“The service would help eliminate any inconvenience from the limited number of recharging machines. This would add to customers’ satisfaction rating which tops RTA’s agenda, and support the Smart City initiative launched by Dubai Government…” added Al Awadi.
reporters@khaleejtimes.com
“The customer can top-up the NOL card instantly, and buy a bus and metro permit without visiting ticket counters or renew such a permit.”
Khaled Al Awadi, Director of Automated Fare Collection, Technology Support Services Sector, RTA