Transport for London (TfL) has announced that all pay as you go customers will be able to use contactless payments on the Underground, DLR, overground and trams.
The service will go live on 16 September following a successful pilot of 3,000 customers. The new payment system will mean travellers can ditch their Oyster card for contactless credit, debit and pre-paid cards as well as some smartphones. See: Three customers gain free London Underground Wi-Fi.
EE confirmed that customers on its network will be able to travel on the underground, DLR and overground using their NFC-enabled smartphones. Users will be able to pay via the Cash on Tap app which is free on the Google Play store and can already be used in shops including Marks and Spencer, McDonald's and Caffe Nero.
"Offering the option of contactless payments will make it easier and more convenient for customers to pay for their travel, freeing them of the need to top up Oyster credit and helping them get on board without delay. The pilot has been a success, with participants giving us really useful feedback. This is the latest step in making life easier for our customers by using modern technology to offer the best service possible," said Shashi Verma, TfL's Director of Customer Experience.
In addition to daily capping, a new Monday to Sunday cap will apply for customers using the contactless payment option. TfL's system will automatically calculate the best value fare for that week.
The firm has also vowed to make it for customers to view their journey and payment history via and improved online account.
Gerry McQuade, chief marketing officer, EE said: "As more and more people benefit from the simplicity, convenience and security that mobile contactless payments offer, it’s rapidly becoming clear that the days of the physical wallet are fast becoming numbered."
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