TransLink to Launch Apple Pay Support and Tap Payments on May 22

TransLink has announced it their card readers will soon accept contactless payments for Visa and Mastercard, along with mobile wallets such as Apple Pay (and Google Pay, Samsung Pay), to pay for adult cash fares, starting May 22, in Metro Vancouver.

Debits cards won’t be accepted, but Translink says “We’re exploring this option for future updates to the system.”

The addition of contactless readers aims to eliminate line-ups, finding exact change and also pre-calculating fares for zone travel, for those not using a Compass Card. TransLink says support for tap payments will also be convenient for tourists and casual riders, so they can just “simply tap and ride.”

Riders are to tap their credit cards or mobile wallets when they enter their ride and one more time when they exit.

“We are a customer-first organization and are always looking for innovative ways to improve our customers’ experience. Tap to Pay is all about customer convenience. Compass is great for regular riders and this initiative leverages its greater potential by adding more convenient payment options for infrequent users and travellers. With tourist season upon us, this is perfect timing for the launch of this new technology,” said Kevin Desmond, CEO, TransLink, in a statement.

TransLink also continues to push its card-clash marketing campaign, educating riders to tap only their card and not their wallet or purses, as readers will charge the first card detected. Users of Compass Cards will continue to pay discounted rates.

What do you think about the addition of tap payments from TransLink?