Dubai: Nol and credit card payment system is now available in the majority of taxis in Dubai, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has confirmed.
A total of 8,000 taxis have been equipped with the electronic payment system that will allow commuters to pay through credit card and Nol cards.
“The roll-out of this project is being done in phases. As the fleet of taxis is constantly increasing, the electronic payment deployment is carried out accordingly,” said Moosa Al Raisi, director of Transportation Systems at RTA’s Public Transport Agency.
The number of taxis has increased significantly over the last two years, with the current fleet strength standing at 9,500 cabs across the six franchises.
Phase two of the project is currently under way and the electronic payment mode is expected to be on board the entire fleet by the end of this year.
“The installation of electronic payment system will be completed in the second phase of the project, which began early this year and will cover the entire fleet, including the newly introduced taxis,” he added.
The cash-free payment service has had its issues, with many commuters complaining that the system is not reliable.
Responding to the complaints Al Raisi said that the service is still new and, like all new services, will have its teething issues.
“The service is recently implemented and we are constantly working on making it smooth and accessible to all. We are encouraging drivers to promote the new payment modes,” said Al Raisi. More info
By Shafaat Shahbandari, Staff Reporter www.gulfnews.com
