Quick & easy contactless payments are fast becoming the norm across society with their popularity also soaring on board public transport in Northern Ireland.
Translink has revealed that over 2 million customers using Metro and Ulsterbus now have a contactless payment account.
While the majority of these accounts are from NI based customers reflecting the local popularity of this payment option, this latest Translink ticketing milestone also demonstrates the global appeal of contactless payments with customers from over 170 countries worldwide including places like Brazil, Australia and Canada making contactless journeys on Metro and Ulsterbus services.
The simple tap & go formula using a contactless bank card or payment-enabled device such as a smartphone or smartwatch enhances the overall customer experience, while speeding up boarding times for everyone. Customers can also use their contactless payment method for any family or friends travelling with them.
Around 500,000 passenger journeys are made every week on Metro services alone with many of these customers enjoying the ease of contactless payments. A £4 fare cap for unlimited daily journeys and the recent launch of year-round late-night services also continue to boost the appeal of bus travel.
Translink’s Phillip Woods said: “Going contactless is now a way of life for many everyday payments and we continue to see more people take advantage of this modern and simple ticket purchase option.
“Our customers are enjoying good-value journeys on board modern buses offering free wifi and USB charging while also being a more climate-friendly way to travel – in fact, we’ve now introduced almost 250 zero emission buses across our fleet.
“Thank you to everyone who’s already embraced this technology and as 2026 gets underway we’re encouraging more people to try contactless and stay better connected.”
For more information visit www.translink.co.uk/contactless and download the Journey Planner App for your next travel with Translink.