Translink Metro’s contactless payments hit one million milestone in Belfast

Credit: Translink

Translink Northern Ireland has announced that one million journeys have been made using contactless payment methods across its Metro services in Belfast, since the new technology came into force in early 2022.

As part of the smart fare payment option, passengers can use their smartwatches, phones, credit or debit cards to ‘Tap On’ board any Metro services, with fares capped to offer affordability and flexibility.

This announcement marks a significant milestone in Translink’s Future Ticketing System roll-out, as it works to transform public transport to future-proof services for full network ticket integration and to support passenger growth.

Contactless payments have proven popular across all Metro routes, particularly on Corridor 1 (Antrim Road) and Corridor 9 (Lisburn Road), with over 113,500 contactless journeys having been made on each of these two corridors since spring 2022.    

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William McGookin, Head of Ticketing Technology at Translink, said: “It’s great to see so many people enjoying the convenience and value of contactless payments for their Metro journeys. This latest development is an important milestone in our ambitious plans to improve overall customer experience with innovative smart ticketing solutions. At a time when the cost-of-living is escalating, customers can also easily view their journey history online, following the savings they’ve made. Contactless payments also reduce cash-handling, speeding up journey times. It’s an exciting time for Metro as we continue to invest in zero-emission buses to support a clean and sustainable future for the city and we’re encouraging more people to enjoy the benefits of journeys by public transport.”

Metro contactless fares are based on either a single £2.10 ‘flat’ fare charged regardless of the distance customers make on any Metro service or a daily capped fare of £3.50 when two or more journeys are made in one day.

The on-board payment technology accepts contactless payments from smart devices with Apple Pay, Google Pay or Samsung Pay, Visa and Mastercard (including Maestro) contactless credit and debit cards, as well as pre-paid contactless cards.