Ajman to introduce contactless payments on public transport

Visa, the digital payments company, and the Transport Authority – Government of Ajman (TA) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to implement open-loop EMV technology to Ajman Buses. This will allow passengers to pay for their ride using their contactless Visa cards or devices.

The implementation of this technology would make the passenger’s travel experience seamless and reduce travel time by eliminating the need to stand in line to purchase tickets or top up their ticket, a statement said.

The digital payments company will also closely with the Transport Authority to enhance the existing experience on the Masaar card by leveraging its technology to enable acceptance of Masaar cards at non-transit merchants.

Visa and Transport Authority – Government of Ajman sign MOU to implement contactless payments on public transport pic.twitter.com/6GrP32P0vo

— Ajman Transport (@AjmanTransport) February 9, 2022

Commenting on the MOU signing, Dr Saeeda Jaffar, Visa’s senior vice president and group country manager for GCC, said: “Visa is delighted to work with the Transport Authority – Government of Ajman to drive the adoption of digital payments in transport, especially as we see the entire UAE moving towards a cashless economy. As social distancing and low-touch payments become the new norm, Visa’s open-loop transit model has seen great results around the world. Already helping to power over 450 live projects globally, we are looking forward to bringing our expertise on contactless payments and urban mobility to this partnership. By providing people with secure, faster and more convenient ways to pay for their transport, we hope to co-create the future of seamless transportation in Ajman and across the UAE.”

هيئة النقل –عجمان
وVisa
توقعان مذكرة تفاهم لتبني حلول المدفوعات اللاتلامسية في المواصلات العامة بالإمارة pic.twitter.com/BANOdZxweS

— Ajman Transport (@AjmanTransport) February 9, 2022

Visa’s urban mobility solutions such as the ‘Visa known fare transit” model, the ‘mobility and transport transaction’ model, and the ‘visa ready for transit’ model are catalysing the transformation of mass transit globally by reducing infrastructure costs (ticket counters and vending machines) and improving the overall customer experience to drive ridership and revenue growth.

Rasha Al Shamsi, Transport Authority – Government of Ajman acting director-general, said: “UAE under its leadership has been keeping the pace with development and innovation, until it has become one the most prominent countries, developing and prospering in many fields. We aim to introduce the smart and safe payment solution to the users of public transport and enhance the digital economy by encouraging the public to use modern payment methods, believing in the continuous development of services and adding value to our customers, we will work with Visa to extend the benefits of current ATAs Masaar transit card.”

Read: Over 50% of UAE consumers to go cashless by 2024 – Visa