Edinburgh Trams launches ‘tap on, tap off’ contactless payment system

Passengers travelling on Edinburgh Trams will now be able to ‘tap on’ and ‘tap off’ when using the public transport system.

From Monday, customers will be able to tap their contactless card or device when using the capital’s tram network.

Customers will need to tap their device onto the existing Platform Validators when they begin their journey, then tap off on the platform after they have disembarked the tram.

The tram operator says the new system calculates the cheapest fare based on the number of journeys made then charges the card in the early hours of the next morning.

The system works alongside Lothian Buses’ existing TapTapCap system to cap bus and tram travel across the city at the day ticket rate.

Additionally, weekly travel will also be capped at the weekly rate, so customers can travel as much as they like within the City Zone, and only pay the weekly cap fare.

To benefit from the caps, the tram operator said the same card or device should be used every time customers tap on and tap off to avoid journeys mistakenly being registered as incomplete.

Sarah Singh, head of service delivery, said they were “delighted” to share the launch date of the new payment system.

She said: “The delivery of this project reflects months of hard work from colleagues across the business and Lothian Buses, to fully integrate ToTo into their existing system, and we’re pleased to be offering our best-ever service to customers across Edinburgh.”

Transport convener for Edinburgh Council, councillor Stephen Jenkinson, said the ingregration of the system marked a “significant milestone” for the city’s public transport network.

“This will allow residents and visitors to travel more efficiently and at the best value with ticket prices automatically capped at the cheapest daily and weekly rate,” he said.

He added: “Our excellent public transport services is the most inclusive form of travel; it provides an alternative to car use especially for people on lower incomes or with mobility issues.”

“Our integrated public transport system is something we’re very proud of here in Edinburgh – compared with similar sized cities we are an example to be celebrated and followed.”

He continued: “Low carbon travel is also a key element of our wider climate ambitions and I’m sure this development will encourage greater use.”