LTA to test account-based contactless ticketing in Singapore

Commuters in Singapore will be piloting a new ticketing system in the fourth quarter of this year that will let them use their contactless debit or credit cards for fare payments across Land Transport Authority (LTA) services, with the fare being charged to their credit or debit card accounts.

LTA“Account-based ticketing is a transit fare collection system that will enable commuters to use contactless debit or credit cards for fare payments without the need for upfront top-ups,” LTA says. “Similar to postpaid mobile phone subscriptions or utility bills, transactions will be processed and charged to the commuter in subsequent credit or debit card bills.

“Commuters will benefit from having an additional fare payment option. Using this fare payment system will also eliminate the hassle of having to top up fare cards. In preparation for the account-based ticketing pilot, LTA will also be calling a tender in the next few months to appoint an acquiring bank, which will acquire fare payments made through contactless credit/debit cards.”

“LTA has always been exploring new and innovative payment systems as technology advances to provide more convenience to commuters,” says LTA chief executive Chew Men Leong. “Should the account-based ticketing pilot be successful, Singapore would be one of the few cities in the world to adopt this fare payment system.”

LTA has also piloted a contactless wristband to pay for public transport services and goods at retailers equipped with contactless readers. The pilot began in September 2015 and concluded in February this year.

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