RTA to launch own payment app with Uber and Careem

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is to launch a common booking and payment app to integrate private methods of transport with its own services, it was announced on Saturday.

The Integrated Mobility Platform (IMP) will allow users to pay for  e-hail services such as Uber and Careem, the Monorail in Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Trolley in Downtown Dubai and private limousine services alongside the RTA’s own services.

Travellers can already use the integrated payment system Nol for the RTA’s metro, tram, buses, marine transit and more recently taxis, while the Monorail, the Trolley and Uber and Careem have independent fare collection systems.

The integration of these platforms with Nol is expected to be complete by the end of next year and will be undertaken via several phases.

Mattar Al Tayer, director-general and chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, said that the IMP will give customers easy access to all mass transit systems through a single window or  app.

Speaking to Gulf News, he said: “The Integrated Mobility Platform project comprises a system for organisational monitoring, full integration with all RTA’s mass transit means, integrating with services provided by other entities in Dubai, organising electronic taxi booking services and running limo services. The project will offer the user the available mobility options, and enable the user to plan the journey and arrange the booking and payment in a smooth and integrated manner.”

Earlier this year, RTA introduced new regulations for app-based taxi services. Previously companies such as Uber and Careem could only operate with an agreement with a licensed limo company using licensed drivers.