Explore Dubai’s efficient transportation system by using the NOL Card, an initiative introduced by RTA in 2009 for your seamless travel experience. This electronic ticket streamlines your bus, train, and metro journeys. In this blog, we will provide you with some really easy ways to check your balance through online or offline methods, ensuring your exploration in Dubai remains stress-free. Let us dive deep into the deep exploration of the NOL card!
What Is A NOL Card?
You can obtain the NOL card from Dubai’s Roads & Transport Authority; it’s a credit card-sized smart card designed for public transport. This contactless chip on the card stores prepaid funds, which need to be credited before you use it. To travel, you simply tag on/off at e-terminals in buses or e-gates at metro stations. You can buy the card at metro stations or bus terminals, paying an initial one-time fee. You have the option to top up your card balance offline or online using cash or cards.
What Is The Process To Use NOL Card?
If you do not know how the NOL card is used, look at the step-by-step process we have given below:
Step 1: Ensure Sufficient Balance
Users should confirm that the smart card has the minimum required balance for travel, which is AED 20 mandatory for Metro Station Ticket Offices, with an additional requirement of AED 15 for a roundtrip from January 15, 2024.
Step 2: Locate E-Readers
Look for e-readers at various locations, including metro stations, bus entrances, trams, and water buses.
Step 3: Check-In at Entry
Hold the smart card on the e-reader at the designated entry point (e.g., metro gate, bus/tram entrance) and wait for a beep or a green light indicating a successful check-in.
Step 4: Pass-Through Entry Gate
Upon successful check-in, proceed to pass through the entry gate.
Step 5: Travel on the Vehicle
If using public transportation, such as a bus, water bus, or tram, travel to your destination.
Step 6: Approach Exit Gate
When nearing your destination or station exit, approach the gate of the bus, water bus, tram, or electronic machines at the metro station.
Step 7: Check-Out at Exit
Hold the smart card on the e-reader machine at the exit point and wait for the beep or a flash of green light to indicate a successful check-out.
Step 8: Exit the Vehicle or Station
Once the card is successfully checked out, pass through the exit gate.
Step 9: Verify Fare Deduction
After exiting, check that the correct amount has been deducted from the smart card balance.
What Is The Usage Of NOL Card?
Equipped with a smart chip, your NOL Card in Dubai serves various purposes. The primary function of the NOL card is to ease your transportation, allowing you to smoothly travel on public modes like buses, trams, metro, and water buses. Other than transportation, you can conveniently pay your parking fees at RTA-authorized sites and make small payments for food and grocery purchases. Moreover, the card is accepted at ENOC and EPPCO gas stations for fuel transactions.
What Are The Types Of NOL Cards?
| Ticket Type | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Red Ticket | Suitable for occasional travelers. Valid for 90 days, costing AED 2. Limited to buses, metro, and trams. Can be used for 10 or fewer journeys. |
| Silver Card | Ideal for regular users. Valid for 5 years, costing AED 25. Applicable for all public transport modes. Includes an e-purse balance of AED 19. |
| Gold Card | Ideal for luxury travelers. Same features as Silver Card but provides access to the Dubai Metro’s gold compartment. |
| Blue Card | Personalized smart card. Ideal for daily commuters, students, and senior citizens. Valid for 5 years, costing AED 70. |
What Are The Benefits Of NOL Card?
- Discounts for Specific Groups: Senior citizens and students enjoy up to a 50% fare discount with the Blue card.
- Versatile Usage in Dubai: Usable for bus, metro, tram, water bus travel, parking fees, and retail purchases.
- Safety and Security Features: The integrated chip is tamper-proof with an antenna for enhanced security.
- Multi-Purpose Convenience: Eliminates the need to carry cash and can be used for various transactions, including groceries and fuel.
How To Check My NOL Card Balance?
NOL Card Balance Check Online:
- Open the official RTA website.
- Click on ‘Check NOL balance.’
- Enter your NOL tag ID (located on the backside of the card).
- Wait for the balance to be displayed.
NOL Card Balance Check on Mobile:
- Download the official ‘RTA Dubai’ app.
- Open the app and find the ‘Check NOL Balance’ button.
- Enter your NOL tag ID.
- Press ‘View Balance’ to see the exact amount.
To Wrap It Up
After reading this comprehensive blog on the NOL, you are now ready to navigate through the city with ease. We hope this information helps make your travel easier. We wish you happy and safe travels!
FAQs
What is an NOL Card?
A credit card-sized smart card for Dubai’s public transport, storing prepaid funds for seamless travel on buses, trains, and metros.
How do I use an NOL Card?
Confirm balance, tag on/off at e-terminals, check-in at entry, travel, check out at exit, and verify fare deduction.
What are the types of NOL Cards?
Red (occasional), Silver (regular), Gold (luxury), Blue (personalized).
What are the benefits of an NOL Card?
Discounts for seniors, students, and people of determination. Versatile usage, safety features, and multi-purpose convenience.
How to check my NOL Card balance?
Use vending machines or check online via the RTA website or mobile app.
Where to recharge a NOL Card in Dubai?
Recharge at NOL recharge stations, supermarkets, and online through the RTA website or S’hail app.
How can I pay for Dubai parking with the NOL Card?
Use parking machines by inserting an NOL card; the amount is deducted automatically.