The rise of digital payments is ushering in a new era of growth in urban mobility. More than just a tool for streamlining transactions, digital payments offer transit operators the opportunity to increase revenue, safeguard against fraud, and encourage transit use with insightful data.
So, how exactly can digital payments improve passengers’ experiences? The answer lies in their ability to help you create innovative payment options that offer convenience, personalization, and more efficiency.
Embrace the contactless era
Open-loop systems have revolutionized the way passengers pay for their rides. They can simply tap to ride using their existing contactless EMV® debit or credit card or even their smartphones or smartwatch. This not only reduces wait times but also means that visitors and occasional riders don’t have to spend time waiting to buy a physical ticket. They can travel with the confidence that they're getting the best possible fare without having to navigate complex or unfamiliar ticketing systems.
Explore new horizons with eCommerce
Innovative eCommerce capabilities can offer transit operators the chance to expand their closed-loop systems, providing a wider range of top-up methods as well as account-based ticketing. Riders will have a greater variety of digital payment options to choose from, such as app-based tickets that use a multitude of fare media, including QR codes. Operators can also offer subscription services through recurring billing, which can give riders access to cost-effective travel options without needing to pay a large sum up front to buy monthly or annual tickets.
Mobilize your workforce with tap to phone
Tap-to-phone technology can help modernize transit operations by turning mobile devices into payment terminals. This allows your workforce to serve passengers quickly and efficiently anywhere in the station or during their rides. Utilizing smartphone technology that most users are familiar with can help reduce lines at ticket machines and offices, allowing employees to focus on supporting passengers while also ensuring you have every opportunity to collect fares.
Personalize transit routes through tokenization
Tokenization can give transit operators better insight into their customers’ riding and purchasing behavior based on their account details and historical payment data. They can leverage this insight to offer passengers advice about the best way to reach their destination and include a range of payment methods like installments built into their digital wallets.
From contactless transactions to advanced eCommerce capabilities, tap-to-phone technology to tokenization, digital payments are enhancing the customer experience at every touchpoint. This transformative innovation is redefining how we travel, making it more convenient, personalized, and efficient for all.
If you want to know more about how Visa Acceptance Solutions can help you improve passenger experiences, please check out our interactive guide or request a consultation with our team. We can help you build an effective payment strategy for the future—whether you're looking to scale confidently, keep pace with innovation, or create new opportunities.
Together, let’s pave the way for the smart and connected cities of the future.
Disclaimer: These materials and best practice recommendations are provided for informational purposes only. Visa is not responsible for your use of these materials, recommendations or other information, including errors of any kind contained in this document.