Taiwan airport metro adopts contactless payments

Taiwan’s Taoyuan Metro will launch contactless payment via bank cards on January 16, 2020 to serve passengers travelling to and from Taipei and Taoyuan International Airport.

The tap-and-go service will open to holders of VIAS, Mastercard, Union Pay and JCB cards and mobile devices with NFC (Near Field Communication) functions such as Google Pay, Apple Pay and Samsung Pay.

Taoyuan City mayor Cheng Wen-tsan said the tap-and-go system for the rapid transit (MRT) line linking metropolitan Taipei and Taoyuan international airport would bring more friendliness and convenience to both domestic and international travelers.

Introduction of the contactless payment was a further evidence of Taoyuan Metro’s efforts applying advanced technologies to better serve passengers since the airport metro line was opened two years ago, Mayor Cheng said.

During the two years of operation, Taoyuan Metro has introduced WIFI networks and a QR code system to streamline fare payment.

The mayor hoped the contactless payment would be expanded to all MRT lines in Taipei and other public transportation systems to benefit more riders.

From January 16, the speed payment will open to passengers holding Visa, Master, and Union Pay cards, and those carrying JCB cards would enjoy the benefit from June, said Liu Kun-I, chairman of Taoyuan Metro. All turnstiles at the 21 metro stations on the airport line would soon be supported by intelligent devices to accept the payments.

The company expected to introduce third-party and e-payment later next year, Liu said.