Source: www.khaleejtimes.com
Permanently disabled persons, both Emiratis and expatriates, can now purchase free Nol Blue cards for use in public transport across Dubai.
Likewise, senior Emiratis and students, both Emiratis and expatriates, can avail a 50 per cent discounted fare on RTA’s mass transit modes comprising the metro and public buses in their daily travels within the Emirate of Dubai.
Making the announcement, Dr Aysha Al Busmait, Director of Marketing and Corporate Communication, and Acting Director of Customers Service, said: “The Nol card dedicated for the use of permanently disabled persons, seniors and students is valid for 5 years maximum starting from the date of issue. The card will include information such as the category (special needs, seniors and students), name and photo of holder and expiry date. The Automatic Fare Collection Card Department has stressed that the use of the card is exclusively meant for holders and no other person is entitled to use them.
“Special needs persons who are assessed with a permanent disability as well as seniors and students can obtain their Blue Nol cards online through www.nol.ae, or by visiting RTA offices in the Metro and public bus stations in Dubai after filling the application form and attaching the required supporting documents along with a one-time payment of Dh70. It includes Dh20 as an initial credit in the e-purse of the Card, and the user will not be asked to pay this amount once more unless upon the renewal of the card.
“Among the other features of the card is that the holder will have a Dh20 account balance out of the Dh70 paid at the time of applying for the card, and the user is entitled to use this balance in paying for parking fees or buying Nol Red Tickets for other persons.
“The use of card permit issued to seniors is confined to citizens of the UAE aged 60 and above and the holder will get a 50 per cent discount on the fare applicable to the general users of Nol Blue cards. “The third category of these cards is devoted to students, whether Emiratis or residents aged 5 to 23, who are in regular studies at all school grades as well as students of universities, colleges and institutes. Students applying for this card have to satisfy a certain set of conditions. Students holding Nol Cards will also get a 50 per cent discount on the normal fare applicable to Nol Blue Cards public users. However, these permits are divided into five different categories as per students’ age groups.
“The documents required for obtaining this card in respect of all categories include a valid national identity card and personal photo with a white background. The applicant should produce a valid disabled card issued by the Ministry of Social Affairs, for people with permanent disability, and a letter signed and sealed by the official academic institution to which the student is affiliated.
“The card will be dispatched within two weeks from the date of receipt of the application via courier to the residence or work address for free. An SMS will be sent to the applicant informing him/her on the progress made in processing her/his application,” said Dr Aysha.
