Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has reached 72% completion on its comprehensive technological overhaul of the nol payment platform, moving the platform closer to an entirely cashless public transport system.
The transition directly affects daily transport users by offering central user accounts. Commuters will be able to link multiple family nol cards to a single main profile, allocate unique top-up limits across cards, set up automated bank account recharges, and view real-time transaction logs. The digital platform also allows users to immediately block lost cards online to protect and recover their remaining balances.
His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority, said: “The nol system upgrade marks a strategic step in RTA’s comprehensive digital transformation journey and represents a strategic investment in the future of digital services. It will enable RTA to develop a unified, more integrated payment ecosystem linking various modes of transport and services, while delivering the highest levels of operational efficiency and customer convenience.
The RTA is rolling out the upgrade across three distinct phases, beginning with QR code tickets on digital channels, followed by the introduction of next-generation physical cards compatible with banking platforms. The final phase will open transport gates to direct payments from standard bank cards and smartphone digital wallets.
The major digital infrastructure project is on track for full completion by the end of the first quarter of 2027. The project transitions the network from traditional card-based ticketing (CBT) to an advanced account-based ticketing (ABT) system that utilises cutting-edge financial technologies.