Transit systems help city residents sustain their livelihoods, connect to services and pursue activities that create a vibrant city life. In Canada, electronic payments are a ubiquitous element in everyday life and Canadians have come to expect fast, simple, secure payments as part of their retail and leisure experiences. However, until now, public transit is a segment where customers have not enjoyed the same frictionless experience, instead having to use either exact change, a pre-loaded payment card, or line up at a kiosk or use an automated machine to purchase a ticket.

“We’re thrilled to bring the simplicity of Visa tap to pay to transit riders in the GTA in collaboration with Metrolinx. Transit is essential for so many and we believe in the importance of making the riding experience as seamless as possible. Now, Visa cardholders can enjoy the convenience of tap to pay on their commute, just as they already do with their morning cup of coffee,” says Brian Weiner, VP and head of product and digital, Visa Canada.

Visa understands using the contactless payment for fares can save valuable time for transit users, and that riders are looking for flexible payment options. In fact, research commissioned by Visa found that nearly one in three (32%) public transit riders cite contactless payments as a top feature that would entice them to use public transit[2] with 50% citing the increased convenience of contactless as the primary benefit[3]. That is why Visa is collaborating with Metrolinx to bring tap-to-pay with Visa credit to riders in the GTA.

Now, transit riders can pay for their adult fare with their Visa contactless credit or payment-enabled device as part of PRESTO Contactless Payments. By simply tapping on any PRESTO device when getting on and off GO Transit and UP Express the solution eliminates the need to purchase or load a separate transit card or handle cash while boarding.

Visa supports transit operators globally to deliver digital tools to draw in more passengers and remove friction from the transit experience. Visa’s Global Urban Mobility team has brought its experience and expertise to help cities and transportation agencies globally accelerate their intelligent travel solutions in Bangkok, Thailand; Fukuoka, Japan; Lyon, France; Izmir, Turkey; and Mexico City, Mexico.

This collaboration with Metrolinx builds on the success of Visa’s partnership with TransLink in Metro Vancouver, bringing the benefits of contactless payment to even more Canadian riders.