Dubai: The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has given several options to public transport users to pay their fares. Different types of prepared fare collection cards called the Nol Cards give flexibility of payment to passengers. Everyone can choose one or more Nol cards to suite their transport needs. The RTA has divided Dubai into seven mobility zones and the fares are charged according to the number of zones travelled. Minimum fare is charged for travelling within one zone and maximum fare is charged for travel to three or more zones. Following are different types of Nol Cards on offer.
Red Ticket (Red Nol Card): This is a paper ticket and is good for passengers using the public transport including the Metro for a single journey. It can be used for a maximum of 10 trips. A Red Ticket costing Dh16 and could be used for unlimited trips throughout a day.
Silver Nol Card: This is the most popular card. The minimum price is Dh20, which includes Dh6 for the card and Dh14 travel credit. It can be topped up for maximum of Dh500 at a time and the card is valid for five years.
Gold Nol Cards: This is a VIP card, but has the same features as a Silver Card. Passengers travelling in the Metro Gold Class (VIP cabin) need to buy this card. The fare charged on the card is almost double the normal fare, but it offers comfortable travel. The minimum price is Dh20, including Dh14 e-purse. It is valid for five years and can be topped up.
Blue Nol Card: This is a personalised card with photo and personal details of the user. It has various categories and costs Dh70. Only the card holder can use it and it can be topped up to Dh500
Student Pass: Students get 50 per cent discount on use of public transport, including the Metro. The student pass is issued on a personalised Blue Nol Card and a student has to apply for it.
Senior citizen's pass: Emiratis who are 60 years of age and above also get 50 per cent discount on public transport. This pass is also issued on the personalised Blue Nol Card.
Special Needs pass: Travel on the public transport is free for people with special needs. They have to apply with related documents for the personalised Blue Nol Cards to get the pass. They pay the card price of Dh70 and the card is valid for five years.
Monthly passes: Monthly passes are good for frequent users of public transport. They are issued on the personalised Blue Nol Card. The monthly passes have three categories. They are issued for Dh100 valid for only one zone; Dh180 valid for two zones and a maximum of Dh270 valid for unlimited use for a month all over Dubai.
