20.11.19
Metrolink contactless payment system hits millionth journey
Transport for Greater Manchester announced today (20th Nov) that at the weekend Metrolink’s contactless payment system hit the million-journey mark.
The contactless payment method was brought in on the 15th of July this year and this milestone for the new payment system shows that people are quickly adopting the easy-to-use way to pay.
Contactless cuts out the need to buy a paper ticket or downloads the app, passengers simply use a contactless-enabled device, such as a bank card, phone or smart watch, to ‘touch-in’ and ‘touch-out’ at tram stops at the start and end of their journey, with the system working out their fare, up to a daily cap.
December is Metrolink’s busiest month, with approximately 300,000 extra journeys expected to be made.
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester said: “I’m pleased that Greater Manchester residents and our many visitors are taking advantage of contactless payments on Metrolink.
“It’s making tram travel easier, and opening up our region to jobs, leisure, skills and education opportunities. This is another step on our way to the integrated, London-style transport system we want to see here.”
TfGM’s Head of Metrolink, Danny Vaughan, said: “Christmas is the busiest time of the year for Metrolink, with lots to see and do right on our doorstep.
Many of those customers will be occasional users visiting the festive markets, socializing, or working in seasonal jobs, and contactless is the ideal way for these people to pay their travel.”