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RTA opens lab for testing public transit fare systems

The new lab will carry out comprehensive technological testing of fare collection systems used in public transport to ensure that they are fully integrated and have no technical glitches.

The Rail Agency of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), has introduced a comprehensive laboratory dedicated to testing fare system of public transit means pertinent to the metro, tram, public bus, water transport and taxi. The system also covers parking fees, Nol card systems, and ticket vending machines at the disposal of approved sales agents.

Abdullah Yousef Al Ali, CEO of RTA Rail Agency, said: “Opening this integrated lab in the Metro Depot at Al Qusais is part of the endeavours of the agency to provide handy services to customers, particularly as the launch of the Dubai Tram looms in the horizon.

“The role of the new lab is to carry out comprehensive technological testing of fare collections systems used in public transport to ensure that they are fully integrated, and have no technical glitches.

He added that the testing will also verify the conformity of the upgraded systems with the standards previously approved by the RTA before embarking on any approved upgrade of all automatic fare collection programmes, and ensure that the fare is correctly calculated such that clients are not impacted upon taking rides of any public transit means.

“As the RTA is keen on materialising the directives and vision of the senior management to make Dubai the smartest city in the world, the lab has been fitted with the latest technologies, systems and equipment in accordance with a set of technical standards set in advance by the work team conforming to the needs of the user and the business requirements. The lab is manned by a cream of external testing specialists and experts as well as fare system experts from various RTA agencies; all teaming together in carrying out a set of correct testing with a view to achieving customers’ satisfaction, and meeting the strategic goals of the RTA.

“Whenever we embark on launching any programme or technological systems, we make concerted efforts to realise the vision of the RTA in providing Safe and Smooth Transport for All through offering handy and seamless transit modes to customers. We have therefore opted to introduce a comprehensive testing lab as the launch date of the Dubai Tram is approaching fast, public transit means in the emirate are growing tremendously, and as we perceive a need to upgrade the technological programmes in keeping with the international standards of the industry,” concluded Al Ali.