Dubai’s Nol Card Update RTA Increases Minimum Top-Up Amount to AED 50
The public transportation users in Dubai have been recently set for a major shift in their travelling routines by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) based in the city. Starting from August 17, 2024, which is to become the new regulation, minimum top up amounts at ticket booth located in the Metro station for the Nol cards will be AED 50 whereas it is currently at AED 20.
This action is in line with the general strategies implemented by the RTA for encouraging the use of other digital technologies for topping up for the fares besides enhancing the experience of the passengers in Dubai.
The Nol card is a basic smart prepaid transport card which makes form of payment for public pass monkeys of transportation within the state and cities which include the Dubai Metro, buses, trams, and even waterbuses. It is also taken in different places including parking meters, taxis, in some parks, museums and selected outlets including stores and restaurants. More than 2000 establishments in Dubai accept Nol card and it is considered to be a must-have for both a resident and a tourist.
Why the Increase?
This conversion has been made by the RTA to reduce the number of transactions and increase commuters’ use of digital top-up. With reference to the case, the new measures to be taken by the RTA include raising the minimum top up amount available at the Metro ticket offices to 50 AED to minimize congestion at several stations as well as ensuring that card holders have enough credit to cater for their longer trips. This is expected to ensure that movements are easily facilitated especially during rush hour thus enhancing the goal of the organization.
Earlier, the RTA increased the minimum top-up amount to AED 5 to AED 20 through the aforementioned proposed changes to the tariff structure starting in January 2024. The new minimum of AED 50 is another in this regard. From the RTA’s perspective they state that this change only applies to top-ups made at the ticket offices in the Metro station. Those boarders who prefer to load lesser amount of money into their Nol cards still receive a number of other options to do so.
Digital Alternatives for Smaller Top-Ups
I think for those who feel that the new minimum top-up amount is generally disadvantageous, the RTA has several other online and digital ways that which one can use to top up in small amounts. These alternatives have time as the major advantage whereby passengers do not need to spend their precious time queuing by ticketing offices to top up. The main options include:
- Nol Pay App: Another method of recharging the same is by using the Nol Pay App which is a faster method of recharging a Nol card. This app is for Android/ iPhone/ Huawei devices only and it enables passengers to top up their cards online through credit or debit card. NFC Technology Is also available it allow users to manage their Nol card balance just swipe the card near the phone.
- RTA Website: The RTA also allowed passenger to add credit to their Nol cards on the RTA’s official website. When the user enters the card details, as well as payment details, they are likely to see the balance working in 45 minutes to four hours. After balance has been added, the card has to be used at any Metro gate, parking machine or a solar top-up machine for the card to be active.
- RTA Dubai App: Another easy approach is the RTA Dubai application which is connected to the UAE Pass record. Using the ‘Add more money to Nol card ‘ option on the application, users enter the amount they would wish to add and proceed to make the payment via credit/debit card, Apple Pay or Samsung Pay amongst others.
These identified digital alternatives of the Nol card also make it easier for the passengers to top up small amounts of money while at the same improving their convenience as they do not have to carry large amounts of cash besides helping them effectively manage their Nol card balances.
Benefits of Online Top-Ups
Using these digital options comes with several advantages, including:
- Time-saving: Online top-ups save time since people cannot ascend tall queues at ticket offices especially when they have other activities to attend to during rush hour.
- Flexibility: It also gives the passengers an opportunity to put small amounts that are more preferable to their needs at certain time unlike being limited by a minimum of AED 50.
- Instant or delayed activation: Although, using the Nol Pay app, the balance is updated instantly, using the RTA website and their app to top up could take around several hours but the advantage to getting access to the public transport system in Dubai.
Impact on Commuters
At the recent past has been noted that the minimum top-up amount has been changed in a bid to enhance efficiency and quality of public transport in Dubai. However, making the card to have a minimum amount of AED 50 may be unpalatable especially to those who use the Metro once in a while or those who need short distances only.
The good news is that cash-based top-ups are still possible in some areas of the city and are as follows; Nol vending machines at Metro stations, petrol stations including ENOC and EPPCO, grocery stores, and supermarkets.
For round trip in Metro, the commuters must have a minimum balance of AED 15 in their Nol cards to enable them make the journey without being barred half way. The RTA wishes to ensure that customers have a balance that can enable them to avoid these holds and the inconvenience that comes with them.
Email: customerservice@rta.ae
Phone: 800 9090 (Toll-Free within UAE)
Address: RTA Head Office, Umm Ramool, Dubai, UAE
In conclusion, one might look at the new minimum top up of AED 50 as a problem for many but with the RTA solution providing the many choices of the digital pubic transit app and having many cash top up places RTA assures that all types of people in Dubai will not be a problem. The availability of online top-ups as well as the growing incorporation of smart transport systems in the city equally depicts Dubai’s increasing effort for the expansion of its public transport systems.
Test Your Knowledge: Dubai’s Nol Card Update
1. Did the RTA increase the minimum top-up amount for Nol cards at Metro ticket offices to AED 50?
2. Which of the following are valid methods to top up your Nol card? (Select all that apply)
3. Is it true that the new minimum top-up amount at Metro ticket offices is applicable to online top-ups?
4. What is the minimum balance required on a Nol card for a round-trip Metro journey?
Your Score:
Correct answers highlighted in green. Thanks for participating!
Quiz provided by 95Dubai.com