04.07.19
TfGM announces contactless payments on Metrolink trams
Passengers will be able to ‘touch-in’ using their contactless cards on Manchester Metrolink trams from July 15, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) announced today.
The introduction of the new payment option represents the first aggregated ‘Pay As You Go’ system on light rail outside of London.
The option to use contactless cards to buy a ticket at a ticket machine will remain an option, according to the transport body.
The new contactless system will cut out the need to buy a ticket or download the app, with passengers instead required to ‘touch-in’ and ‘touch-out’ at tram stops.
The system will work out their fare, up to a daily cap, by where passengers use the cards.
Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: “On Monday we opened applications for Our Pass and today I’m pleased to be able to announce that contactless will launch on Metrolink on 15 July.
“These initiatives are the first of many on our journey towards the integrated, London-style transport system we want to see here.
“Contactless payments on Metrolink in particular will be a major boost for many people, including commuters and the millions of visitors we get every single year.”
Research by bank card company 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.