Contactless payments are biggest improvement to public transport experience, say commuters

Photo: Illustrator Neil Kerber

Greater Manchester gets the ‘magic touch’ as contactless travel launches across the tram network

With Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) today launching contactless payments on the Metrolink tram network, new research reveals half (49%) of commuters view the introduction of contactless payments as the single most significant improvement to their overall public transport experience.

The new system eliminates the need to pre-purchase a ticket before traveling on the network, with passengers now able to simply touch-in and touch-out at tram stops, with the system working out the best fare, including a daily cap.

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The research, commissioned by Visa, which has partnered with TfGM to bring the contactless system to the Metrolink, also shows that 72% of those in Manchester have used contactless payments for travelling on public transport – more than in London.

The study shows 38% of Mancunians use public transport one or two times per week, with 52% using public transport for commuting.

According to Visa, seven in 10 (69%) UK adults use contactless payments for their everyday spending with two in five card payments are now made using contactless technology.

Reasons cited including increased convenience, ability to track spending, reduced queuing time and alleviating the need for carrying cash.

The research also shows that complex payment options act as a barrier to travel and are the cause of many complaints – and that public transport use could increase by as much as a quarter (27%) if payment was easier.

Steven Orelowitz, Head of Transit, Europe, Visa, said: “We are thrilled to have partnered with Transport for Greater Manchester to launch contactless on Metrolink trams. By adopting a contactless system that enables customers to simply turn up and travel without having to work out which ticket they need, Manchester has put itself up there with some of the most forward-thinking global cities when it comes to ensuring that locals and visitors can move around with ease.”

Stephen Rhodes, Customer Director at Transport for Greater Manchester, added: “Bringing contactless to Metrolink is a huge step forward for the city, and a boost to customer experience on the UK’s largest tram network.”