Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) reported a 20% rise in nol card top-up transactions via digital channels during the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. The increase reflects the RTA’s continued push toward digital transformation in public transport and efforts to enhance customer convenience.
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The RTA attributed the growth to several initiatives, including installing digital machines for ticket sales and top-ups, raising public awareness about using digital platforms such as its website and mobile apps, and increasing the minimum top-up amount for nol cards at machines and ticket offices, a WAM report said.
According to RTA statistics, there was a 28 per cent drop in top-up transactions made through ticket vending machines overall, even as digital usage through these machines rose by 20 per cent. At the same time, cash transactions at ticket sales offices fell by 37 per cent, and digital transactions declined by 6 per cent, resulting in an overall 26 per cent decrease in office-based transactions.
The RTA stated that this shift has helped reduce queues and cut operating costs associated with cash handling. Additionally, the move away from cash led to an 80 per cent decline in vending machine malfunctions.
The authority emphasised that digital adoption will continue to be a key focus in enhancing Dubai’s public transport infrastructure.
