The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has invited banks to bid for a dual chip credit and transit card that will enable customers to enjoy the full services of its Nol card and standard credit card functionalities. The authority will award the tender on July 29.
Abdullah Al Madani, CEO of RTA Corporate Technical Support Services Sector, said the new card will include credit and contactless smart card payment functions and will offer all features of the existing Nol such as safe balance and concessionary fare for students, seniors and disabled persons besides a host of e-services offered by the RTA to Nol Blue Card holders and the proposed Nol Blue Card Rewards Scheme.
"Customers can use the dual chip card in all RTA transport modes, pay the parking meter fees and automatically reload their account balance. 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," said Madani.
He said issuing the combined credit/Nol transit card met several objectives that 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.
Madani was confident many banks would bid for the tender. "This co-branded 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 prioritises the provision of a safe and smooth transport system."
By Staff Writer
© Emirates Business 24/7 2010
