Visa Collaborates with TransLink to Modernize Mass Transit Payments - No More Fumbling for Cash or Paper Tickets

Visa's innovative transit solutions to accelerate seamless commuting through contactless payments in Metro Vancouver

Visa Canada is working to bring open payment transit systems to major cities across Canada

TORONTO, May 2, 2018 /CNW/ - Visa Canada (NYSE: V) today announced that contactless payments will be coming to Metro Vancouver's public transportation system this month to enhance rider convenience and the customer experience.

Set to launch on May 22, 2018, Visa is collaborating with TransLink to bring the Visa Global Transit Solutions program to Canada, which will first launch in Metro Vancouver and help mass transit operators of any size add contactless payment from credit cards as a fare option at gates and card readers. This can help make the experience on transit faster and more secure, facilitating a seamless experience for cardholders. Riders will soon be able to skip the hassle of searching for change and waiting in ticket line-ups by simply tapping to pay.

"We are thrilled to bring Canadian transit riders the convenience, security and simplicity of contactless payments, so that all passengers have to do is tap and ride," said Brian Weiner, Vice President and Head of Product, Visa Canada. "Visa is focused on re-imagining the future of payments and investing in technology to bring future-forward, seamless payment experiences to consumers nationwide."

"We're happy to bring our customers more payment options, including the ability to tap a Visa right at fare gates and on buses, just in time for tourism season," said Kevin Desmond, CEO, TransLink. "Tap to Pay technology is all about increasing customer convenience, especially for tourists and infrequent riders, who don't have an electronic fare card—they can simply tap their credit card and be on their way."

Following the success of Transport for London, which has recently surpassed one billion Visa contactless journeys, Visa is working to bring the Visa Global Transit Solutions program to major cities across Canada, creating a more convenient experience for transit commuters. Visa has created a model which enables operators to offer a range of flexible fares, including fixed fares, distance and time-based fares, and multi-modal fares, as well as features like fare capping, concessions, and delay refunds.

The Visa Global Transit Solutions team has implemented a dozen transit solutions to-date in Europe and currently has new projects underway in Asia, the United States and Europe, in addition to the program in Canada.  Acceptance of contactless payments across the globe has increased significantly in recent years – particularly in Canada, where today approximately 52 per cent of point-of-sale transactions are contactless¹. 

About Visa
Visa Inc. (NYSE: V) is the world's leader in digital payments. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, reliable and secure payment network - enabling individuals, businesses and economies to thrive. Our advanced global processing network, VisaNet, provides secure and reliable payments around the world, and is capable of handling more than 65,000 transaction messages a second. The company's relentless focus on innovation is a catalyst for the rapid growth of connected commerce on any device, and a driving force behind the dream of a cashless future for everyone, everywhere. As the world moves from analog to digital, Visa is applying our brand, products, people, network and scale to reshape the future of commerce. For more information, visit visa.ca, visacorporate.tumblr.com and @VisaNewsCA.

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¹ source: VisaNet - payWave transactions March 2018)

SOURCE Visa Canada

Press Only: Visa Canada, Jessica Culp, Visa Canada, 416-860-3869, [email protected]