Bank card payments and validation for singe tickets have been introduced in October and are now available on 17 bus services.

This means that besides the V3 and 46 services which began testing the system with a pilot project in May, EMV (Europay Mastercard Visa) validators can now also be found on the following routes: D40, V7, V9, V11, 13, 21, 23, 65, 70, 79, 91, 107, 115, 125 and 165. These 17 services operate some 160 vehicles between them, carrying around 80.000 passengers a day.

Other depots also have vehicles equipped with validation machines for bank card payments (some 400 buses at present). Machines continue to be fitted on other vehicles, the prevision being for the service to be available on the entire TMB fleet (over 1,000 vehicles) in December.

How does it work?

The system accepts payments made using all major debit and credit cards and payment-enabled mobile devices, such as mobile phones and smart watches.

When you board the bus, you simply hold the card or device up to the reader – located next to the driver’s cabin – which captures the data and processes the purchase of the single-journey ticket via the payment gateway.

The electronic transaction also serves as proof of having a valid ticket in the event of a ticket inspection, as the inspection terminal is able to access it, meaning a physical ticket is not necessary.

Easier to use

Bank card payments mean easier access for people who are not regular bus users, who tend to board without an integrated ticket and have to purchase a single ticket.

So, anyone can travel using their own credit or debit card, issued by any bank in the world, without the need for any prior administrative procedures.

This new system does away with the handling of cash and creates a faster, more streamlined service with shorter stopping times at stops.

TMB and the Metropolitan Transport Authority (ATM) are promoting the project, which represents a significant step towards the digitalisation of public transport and offers an easy and practical alternative to cash payments on board vehicles.

Source: TMB