Madrid and Melbourne expand contactless transit payments

Madrid and Melbourne have expanded contactless payments across their public transport networks as transit agencies continue investing in account-based ticketing infrastructure.

In Spain, Metro de Madrid has enabled passengers to tap contactless bank cards and mobile wallets directly at fare gates across its 303-station network. Previously, card payments were only available at station ticket machines.

The rollout introduces EMV-enabled readers across the metro network and supports plans to move towards account-based fare calculation, allowing fares to be determined based on a passenger’s travel history rather than tickets purchased before travel.

The change is also intended to simplify journeys for international visitors by allowing them to access the network using payment methods they already carry, without purchasing local tickets in advance.

Ray Shinzawa, Managing Director, JCB Europe, said: “Public transportation is a key touchpoint for international travellers, and by allowing passengers to simply tap and travel, this rollout makes the metro network more accessible and efficient, particularly during busy periods. As more cities adopt contactless transit solutions, we will continue to strengthen our acceptance network to deliver seamless and convenient payment experiences for our cardmembers worldwide.”

In Australia, Victoria has extended tap-and-go payments to Melbourne’s tram network, allowing passengers to use bank cards, smartphones and smartwatches across both trains and trams. Buses are scheduled to join the system next month.

More than 700,000 tap-and-go journeys have been recorded since contactless payments launched on Melbourne’s train network earlier this month, with four in five trips made using a smartphone or smartwatch.

The expansion follows a period of rising public transport use after Victoria introduced temporary free travel and later half-price fares across its network, helping patronage move closer to pre-pandemic levels.

Gabrielle Williams, Minister for Public and Active Transport, said: “From today, you can step off a train and straight onto a tram using the same phone, watch or bank card. This is making public transport easier and more convenient, with commuters now able to tap and go on trains and trams.”

The Madrid and Melbourne projects reflect a broader shift towards account-based ticketing systems that allow operators to manage fares through back-office platforms, supporting functions such as fare capping, multimodal pricing and automated fare calculation.

While passengers experience a simpler way to pay, transit agencies are investing in infrastructure designed to support more flexible fare policies and integrated mobility services across their networks.

Image: Metro Madrid