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The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is gearing up for the launch of the final version of the Smart Fare project to the public in October this year, having gone through the trial version this September. Accordingly, new services will be added to the Public Transport App, and the smart services on the app will be upgraded in a bid to provide streamlined services to the public, and realize RTA’s 1st and 3rd strategic goals i.e. Smart Dubai, and People Happiness respectively.
The upgraded app uses Near Field Connectivity (NFC) to support the current services and enable the launch of a new package of services relating to the use of NOL card as a means of payment for services provided through the app. Thanks to the NFC technology, it will be possible to read and update NOL cards directly through smart-phone. Android devices supports this technology.
“The Smart Fare project uses the NFC technology i.e. tapping NOL card on smart-phones (Android devices) in which the Public Transport Smart App is uploaded. The customer would then be able to top-up NOL card instantly, and buy a bus & metro permit without visiting tickets counter or renew such a permit,” said Khaled Al Awadi, Director of Automated Fare Collection, Technology Support Services Sector, RTA.
“Services will be paid for through entering details of customer’s credit card to the app in coordination with the Smart Dubai Government. The new services added to the app include credit transfer from a card to another, and inquiry about journeys made through NOL card.
“The service would contribute to eliminating any inconvenience related to the limited number of recharging machines. This would add to customers’ satisfaction rating which tops RTA’s agenda, and support the Smart City initiative launched by Dubai Government for upgrading services in a way befitting the profile of Dubai amongst cosmopolitan cities,” added Al Awadi.
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