Residents to use Nol cards to enter Dubai public parks

The Dubai civic body started implementing smart gates that would allow residents to use their Nol cards to enter public parks.
The smart gates are expected to launch within the first quarter of 2017, according to Mohammed Julfar, assistant director general for corporate support sector at DM.   "The system will work similar to public transport system where each person will use their own Nol card to enter parks," said Julfar.
Dubai Municipality signed an agreement last April to work with Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in expanding Nol payment system, which is used for all public transport, to include parks in the emirate.
Heba Al Shehhi, application development head of section at the Information Technology Department in DM, said the system is currently being implemented at Mushrif Park, Al Mamzar and Zabeel Park. The rest of the parks will follow.
 "The main aim is to reduce the long queues on public parks by introducing a smart system that will allow residents to enter and exit parks quickly and easily," said Al Shehhi.
Besides the entry system, self-service kiosks will be available in public parks for additional services that will be useful to the public.
Residents will be able to check and recharge their Nol credits and finish other government transactions. 
Parks will also feature entry systems that will serve the special needs and accommodate wheel chairs. 
"Al Mamzar Park, for example, will have Nol card barriers for vehicles. The entry devices will not only be useful for passersby but drivers as well," said Al Shehhi.   
Park visitors will be able to use their Nol cards or Smart Nol, an app that allows residents to use their mobile phones to check in and out of public transport modes.
The initiative is part of the municipality's efforts to integrate its services with other government entities to achieve Dubai Plan 2021 in becoming a smart and sustainable city.
sherouk@khaleejtimes.com