MTR added more e-wallet options for QR code payment options for riders
MTR is the rail transit network operator in Hong Kong and has been rated among the best rail operators in the world. The company is adopting the latest technologies including mobile ticketing to offer a better customer experience.
In January 2021, MTR launched the QR code ticketing service on all nine transit lines, except Airport Express stations, covering all 95 heavy rail stations. Passengers can go through entry/exit gates wrapped with purple stickers, using ‘QR Code Tickets’ through the MTR Mobile application. Initially, only AlipayHK can be connected with the MTR Mobile application.
In February 2022, MTR also allows passengers to connect UnionPay App and WeChat Pay to MTR Mobile. Commuters can also use the apps of the three e-wallets for direct entry and exit through the gates for traveling on the MTR.
The project is running successfully since 2021. Currently, MTR is offering the “3.8% fare rebate on every train trip” to passengers taking MTR with QR code tickets until the effective date of a fare adjustment in June 2022
In 2019, MTR released the tender to replace 1,500 turnstiles and 420 ticket vending machines to accept multiple payment methods such as QR Code and contactless credit cards, which will break the monopoly of Octopus. The new gate is converted into a multi-smart payment (MEP) system that can accommodate Octopus, smart tickets, QR code-based mobile payment programs, contactless EMV cards, including physical cards and embedded mobile phones EMV. Cards, such as Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, etc.
