Contactless and smartphone payments on Dublin Bus could be possible 'late next year'.
The National Transport Authority has launched a tendering process for the system and depending on the results of that process, it could be in place by late 2023.
The Oireachtas Transport Committee met with stakeholders yesterday to discuss the NTA's Draft Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area.
The revised method would allow customers to pay for fares using their contactless bank cards and smart devices.
Dublin Bus CEO Ray Coyne the system would ‘dynamically update’ – offering people cheaper fares the more often they use the bus.
The chair of the Dublin branch of the National Bus and Rail Union (NBRU) Sean Yates welcomed the announcement:
"The positives are that it improves driver safety, it reduces dwell time by speeding up boarding and delays to the service. Of course, for tourists it means that they can come in and there is seamless transport. So, it is a good news story but it’s a bit late coming to the table.”
