Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of cashless payments was steadily increasing worldwide, but not necessarily in public transport. Yet in an era shaped by coronavirus, physical distancing has become the new norm and more passengers expect the option to pay cashless. Public transport operators are willing to respond and get an additional advantage: Cashless payments of any kind also speed up boarding processes.
Another option is the implementation of an external card reader. The newly-developed compact PROXusb can be installed near the driver’s cabin using a USB cable, thereby supporting a safe distance between driver and paying passenger. Public transport companies can also install INIT’s passenger terminal PROXmobile3 on a handrail near the vehicle’s entrance door. This terminal contains exactly the same high-performance hybrid card reader as the EVENDpc3. That way, all the necessary hygiene measures are adhered to as the passenger and driver do not need to come into close contact during the payment process. In addition, further e-ticketing extensions can be supported, which do not require any intervention by the driver.
If the transport company wants to provide a contactless payment option for more expensive tickets in the vehicles, they can introduce an external Point of Sale (POS) terminal. It will allow for the insertion of a PIN and ensure that public transport companies can receive larger payments (over € 50 in Germany, £ 45 in the UK, …) which the payment service provider is generally not liable for. This third-party product has to be provided by the public transport company and can be connected with the EVENDpc. However, contracts can be made with payment providers that offer similar reliability for the use of a device that is certified for in-vehicle use, like PROXusb. To fulfil these customer requirements, too, INIT is working on a PIN pad to complement PROXusb.
Whichever contactless payments solution you choose, you will benefit from lower cash handling costs and faster boarding times. Passenger safety will also be improved since physical distancing measures will be maintained.
Executive Director
INIT GmbH
Germany
This article was published in our customer magazine INITiative, issue 2/2020. If you want to receive the magazine regularly per e-mail, we kindly ask you to subscribe.