Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced the increased minimum Nol Card Top-Up amount at ticket vending machines in Metro stations. Effective March 1, commuters will have to top up at least Dh20 on their Nol cards, up from the previous lowest collection of Dh5.
Nol cards feature very strongly in the lives of residents as well as visitors: they are an easy, cashless means to travel around Dubai on Metro, buses, and trams. Once the user has their card, they can top it up at Metro station ticket offices, the minimum recharge for those is Dh50. In addition to the vending machines, users may top their Nol cards through online channels, mobile apps, and other authorized locations.
This vending machine top-up adjustment is one of the many attempts by the RTA to cut the cost of service through cashless transactions in line with the larger Dubai vision of becoming a cashless economy. With this, the RTA has provided further broadened utility for Nol cards. Last December, the RTA announced such a feature, allowing payment from Nol cards for accredited rentals of e-scooters across the city. All serve to show the commitment with which the RTA guides the sustainable and convenient use of modes of transport.
In addition to transportation services, Nol cards are also starting to become a growing phenomenon around other types of payment. Grocery purchases are now possible with these cards at some supermarkets, as well as at many selected restaurants for dining payments, thereby offering a single solution for most residents and visitors.
With these changes, the RTA continues to promote the efficiency and accessibility of Dubai’s public transport system. These changes also encourage a cashless, digital-first approach to everyday transactions.
