RTA and Mastercard partner to secure and simplify transport payments

Supporting the Dubai government’s ‘Smart City’ vision, Mastercard has entered a partnership with the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to help enable a faster, simpler and more secure public transport tariff payment system.

The joint study between RTA and Mastercard complements RTA’s payments strategy by using Mastercard’s previous transport experience, which includes contactless solutions for open-loop transit systems and the integration of digital payments into cities’ core infrastructures.

The acceptance of bank-issued cards along with nol digital and nol account-based ticketing solutions are part of the technology roadmap of RTA’s strategy to make the nol brand (Dubai’s smart ticketing offering) the leading digital ticketing, payment and access platform for mobility in the region.   

Abdul Aziz Al Falahi, CEO of RTA’s Corporate Technology Support Services Sector, said: “Enabling the public from all social segments to use bankcards to fulfill their commuting needs is aligned with RTA’s strategic goal ‘People Happiness.’

“Conducting this study will support Dubai’s ambition to be the smartest and happiest city in the world by harnessing the latest technologies and most advanced methods to realise the objective. This initiative will incorporate excellence and innovation, which are vital factors to fully accomplish the smart city vision.”

Also commenting on the partnership, Khalid Elgibali, Division President, Middle East and North Africa, Mastercard, said: “Dubai continues to be one of the world’s most visited cities, with visitors and residents alike expecting advanced infrastructure and transportation services.

“With 70 percent of the world’s population expected to live in urban areas as early as 2050, cities must adopt smart innovations to become more efficient and enable people to go about their day-to-day activities seamlessly. Mastercard is engaging with governments across the globe to harness contactless and open-loop technologies in order to make cities more connected, efficient and inclusive.”