The prospect of paying for public transport in Dublin using contactless payments has been pushed back due to outdated ticketing systems, according to the Irish Times.
Anne Graham, the Chief Executive of the National Transport Authority (NTA), said that the launch of a contactless payment system is still “years away” and new equipment—including a modern ticketing system—will need to replace the current system used by the Dublin Bus and other transport services.
Graham noted that the NTA is trying out contactless payments on a few Local Link rural services. Local Link’s ticketing equipment is more modern and capable of processing contactless payments. The NTA is also currently in the middle of procurement to find a contractor who can develop a system for contactless cards, but Graham said it would require new infrastructure and IT systems, which would take some time to implement.
The delay in contactless payments reflects how digital payment system adoption can be slowed down by outdated infrastructure. The implementation of contactless payment systems has been successfully rolled out in London since 2012, with other cities in Europe also adopting the technology. However, the challenges faced by Dublin highlight the need for significant investment in infrastructure and IT systems.
With the rise of digital payments, there is an increasing demand for convenience, speed, and security in payment transactions. People are looking for seamless payment experiences across all areas of their lives, including public transport. Delayed implementation of contactless payments in public transport means that Ireland risks falling behind the rest of the world in adopting innovative payment technologies.