THE International Association of Public Transport (UITP) alongside Visa, American Express, and Scheidt & Bachmann have launched the Urban Mobility Open Payments Forum, which aims to advance the adoption of open loop payments on public transport networks around the world.

Open loop means that any eligible payment method can be used to pay for a journey without having to be part of the system itself, meaning passenger can use their contactless debit card to pay for the trip even if it is not affiliated with that specific transport network. The founders of the forum say advancing this approach to payment will “help pave the way for a world in which paying for public transport at home is as familiar and compelling as it is when visiting a city abroad.”

The launch of the forum follows calls from the sector to create a clearer framework for engaging in a more open dialogue at the international level on open loop payments for public transport.

“By partnering with UITP on the Urban Mobility Open Payments Forum, we are able to help accelerate worldwide accessibility to more seamless, contactless ways to pay on transport systems, and better meet the needs of transit operators, and passengers everywhere,” says Mr Jason Blackhurst, senior vice-president of global seller products at Visa.

The forum will launch a series of initiatives to inform and educate the wider market, and improve the understanding and know-how of open loop among the public transport sector, but especially operators and transit authorities.

Prospective members are encouraged to get involved by contacting Andrea Soehnchen at UITP.

Porto set to adopt contactless across transit network

The trial will take place on the metro line to the international airport. Photo: Shutterstock.com

PORTO is set to become the first city in Portugal to adopt an open loop payment system for its public transport network in 2022.

Littlepay is working with Visa, Andante, TIP, Cybersource, Unicre, Card4B and ACS on Porto Metro’s airport line and STCP Bus line 500. A roll-out of the system to all metro lines is planned for completion by the end of 2022.

Each trip on Porto Metro will cost €2 and will be valid for 1h 15min. A single €2 fare for a point-to-point bus journeys will be covered by the system. The cost of tickets will be capped at the €7 cost of a daily ticket.