Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has launched a new package of smart services, enabling customers to process transactions using their smartphones.

The move comes as an implementation of the directives of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in migrating from the e-Government to the smart Government platform, offering services via mobile phones 24/7, said Mattar Al Tayer, chairman and executive director of RTA.

“Among the key services to be unleashed by the RTA in Gitex 2013 is the smart taxi service, as the latest, highly innovative smart application considered the first of its type enabling clients to book taxis and directly track their path until their arrival in a real time exercise. This new app (smart taxi) covering all taxicabs in Dubai tantamount to a smart communication channel that is simple, yet compatible with modern technologies tailored to service the needs and expectations of various segments of the community,” said Al Tayer.

“The app can automatically pick up the address and identify the location of the passenger; which helps the public using the service to identify the address without needing to write details and data. The cab nearest to the location will be booked and directed to the customer,” he added.

“The smart services packages being launched include the version 3 of the RTA app compatible with smart phones enabling the offering of new services to customers including the payment of traffic fines, recharging of Nol cards, geo tagging for Madinati service, and RTA services directory. This app is bilingual and is offered at Apple Store or Google Play.”

“The Exhibition will also see the launch of Wojahati app which is  compatible with smart phones, enabling public transport users to plan their journeys from a specific point to another using various public transport means, besides knowing the arrival timings of various transport means. The app will also compute the fare of the journey. It will be provided in English and the Arabic language will be provided in the second version intended to be released in November.”

Other services include the smart Nol service, which will enable smartphone users to use their phones as a Nol card for paying public transport fares; and e-Wallet service, which is a prepaid account to be used in payment for RTA services.

“Taxi users will also have a new wave of new services such as the smart touch screens fitted in the Dubai Taxi Corporation’s cabs, and the possibility of using Nol cards and credit cards for paying taxi fares in addition to the Hala Taxi metre enabling users to view the details and image of the driver as well as the details of the vehicle,” added Al Tayer. - TradeArabia News Service