RTA unveils dual chip transit/credit card scheme

RTA unveils dual chip transit/credit card scheme

Roads & Transport Authority – Fahad Al Ma’amari:

The Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) has launched the dual chip credit / transit card enabling RTA customers for the first time to enjoy a 2-in-1 card with unprecedented convenience and benefits.

According to Abdullah Al Madani, CEO of RTA Corporate Technical Support Services Sector, RTA planned the launch of a new co-branded card; and this RTA Combined Card will be the first credit card in the market to have Nol Card functionality. The new card will include not only credit and contactless smart card payment functions, but also will offer all features of the existing Nol function in terms of safe balance, and concessionary fare for students, seniors and the disabled persons in addition to a host of excellent e-services offered by the RTA to Nol Blue Card holders and the future Nol Blue Card Rewards Scheme.

Al Madani said: “Customers can use the dual chip card in all RTA transport modes, pay the parking meter fees, and automatic reload their account balance required for availing RTA services. The open payment system model would let RTA take advantage of a payment method that was already in place and widely understood and used elsewhere by consumers. Additionally, RTA wanted to see how a contactless system would improve the customer experience by making transactions faster through improved throughput and quicker boarding times.

“Issuing this combined credit/Nol transit card meets several objectives which include expediting the rate of public transactions processed, reducing the error rate or the frequency with which customers encounter problems with customer’s credit card, broadening the coverage and use of the card, increasing the channels through which RTA services are provided, recharging the account balance of public transport commuters, and reducing the number of cards held by the public.

“During this conference RTA will put out a tender for issuing the new combined credit card to banks following the drawing up of criteria and specifications set for the new card. RTA has also compiled a list of services to be offered to new customers who will benefit from all features and benefits of the Nol Card holders over and above the benefits offered by the bank to customers through the credit card. The tender will be awarded to the successful bank after assessing all proposals made by the participating banks.

“This co-brand card puts both RTA and the bank at the forefront of the e-money market and the card will likely be well received by the market as it is a unique transport-retail payment card that allows customers to manage all their needs smoothly. The growing stature of Dubai as a global business hub prioritizes the provision of a safe and smooth transport system. As a result, it became imperative to provide an effective & an integrated transport system capable of achieving the vision & serving the vital interests of the Emirate” added Al Madani in a concluding statement.