Passengers travelling on Manchester's tram network can now use their contactless payment cards to pay their fares, in the first aggregated Pay As You Go implementation on light rail outside of London
Metrolink users can already use their contactless bank card to buy a ticket at a ticket machine, and this will remain an option. What the new system will do is cut out the need to buy a ticket or download the app - with passengers simply required to touch-in and touch-out at tram stops, with the system working out their fare, up to a daily cap.
Transport for Greater Manchester worked with Visa to implement the system, adhering to the Contactless Transit Framework developed by UK Finance.
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham, says: “These initiatives are the first of many on our journey towards the integrated, London-style transport system we want to see here.
Recent research conducted by Visa highlighted that complex payment options acted as a barrier to travel and was also the cause of many complaints. The research also revealed public transport use could increase by as much as 27% if payment was easier.
In London, half of all underground and rail journeys are now effected through tap and pay bank cards and mobile devices.