Page 176 - SALIK PR REPORT JANUARY 2024

1/10/24, 10:50 AM Dubai: Changes in taxi fare, nol card top-ups; new parking company explained
Dynamic pricing is not new and it has always been applied by taxi companies. Taxi rates in Dubai is
based on the taxi type, pick-up time and location, trip duration and distance travelled. The normal
minimum taxi fare or flag down rate for booking online is Dh12 with additional Dh1.97 per km. Fare for
Dubai airport taxis starts at Dh25; while cabs hailed on the road will have varying flag-down rates

ranging from Dh5 during non-peak to Dh9 during peak hours.

How can commuters save money?

When there events at DWTC or Expo City, it is best to take the Dubai Metro. You can avoid heavy traffic
and it is also way cheaper than taking a taxi. The Metro is well-connected to all modes of land

transportation – bus, taxi, private vehicles. Commuters are also allowed to bring their foldable bikes and
e-scooters aboard the cabins.

Meanwhile, there are four dedicated bus routes serving visitors to Global Village for its 2023-24 season
and the fare for a single trip to Global Village is Dh10.

What has changed when topping up nol card?

Currently, nol cards can be topped with a minimum of Dh5. But starting January 15, the minimum top-up

for nol card at Metro station ticket offices will be Dh20. However, this does not apply to commuters
topping up their cards online, at the ticket vending machines, through apps, or at kiosks outside the
Metro stations.

Metro fares remain the same. Commuters, meanwhile, should have a balance of Dh15 on their nol card

to cover a round trip on the Metro transit network.

What is the rationale behind this?

The RTA said implementing a new nol card top up requirement of Dh20 will “ensure a seamless
navigation experience and minimise wait times” at Metro station ticket offices.

Where can you use nol cards?

As a prepaid smart card, nol card is used to pay for public transport across Dubai, including Dubai Metro,
buses, trams, and waterbuses. It can also be used to pay for taxi fares, parking, entrance to some Dubai

public parks, Etihad Museum, and more than 2,000 shops, restaurants, and stores around the city.
There is also a loyalty and rewards programme launched by RTA for nol Plus card holders. Members
earn points and receive special benefits every time they use their nol card to pay Dubai Metro, taxi fares,

public buses or parking charges.

Several public parks in Dubai, however, are no longer accepting nol cards, Khaleej Times can confirm.

https://www.zawya.com/en/legal/regulations/dubai-changes-in-taxi-fare-nol-card-top-ups-new-parking-company-explained-s6h7alv7 3/5