Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced a number of improvements on the refund period of nol card and ticket’s balance in line with its commitment to bring more happiness to users of nol cards, whether in public transport means or other uses. These improvements covered the activation of instant and cash refund of activated nol cards and introducing new channels to apply for the balance refund of defective and damaged cards via smart channels as well as slashing the refund period to approve the balance refund request of defective and damaged cards just 8 days from 14 days.

“As part of efforts to improve the level of services provided to the public, RTA has managed to reduce the time of refunding balances of activated nol cards and tickets through automating the process,” said Mohammed Al Khayyat, Director of Automated Fare Collection Systems, Corporate Technology Support Services Sector, RTA.

“Holders of cards and tickets can refund their balances instantly through Ticket Vending Offices at Dubai Metro Stations. For defective and damaged nol cards refunds through other channels, such as the website, RTA Dubai App, and self-service kiosks, it will now take 8 days to get the refund instead of 14 days. We are still endeavouring to further improve the service and cut the refund period to 3 days, hopefully as early as next year,” he added.

“The improvement is part of RTA’s efforts to make Dubai the smartest and happiest city in the world. This ongoing process requires aligning our efforts with the Government’s smart drive through capitalising on the use of sophisticated technologies and innovation,” said Al Khayyat.

RTA has broadened the uses of nol cards beyond the core role of paying the fare of public transit modes. nol cards can be used to pay fees of public car parking, entry fees of parks and Etihad Museum, purchases at selected retail outlets, and refueling at EPPCO and ENOCstations. nol card is also usable in paying fees at all RTA customer’s happiness centres.