MTR rolls out contactless payment for Mastercard holders

Each station in the MTR heavy rail network, except Airport Express stations, has at least two entry/exit gates with contactless payments.

Commuters can use their Mastercard credit and debit cards to pay for MTR fares starting 24 August.

“Mastercard cardholders can simply tap their contactless credit or debit cards, as well as devices and smart watches with enabled payment, at card readers on the light blue gates in MTR stations,” MTR Corporation said.

Each station in the MTR heavy rail network, except Airport Express stations, has at least two entry/exit gates with contactless payments. All MTR stations’ entrances/exits will have one to two new gates by the end of September.

Stations most frequented by tourists will have additional machines, MTR Corporation added.

The new payment method includes but is not limited to Star Ferry, Tramways, buses (excluding New Lantao bus routes), Peak Tram, as well as selected ferry services and taxis.

This development also follows the acceptance of Mastercard cards on public transportation in other cities including London, Sydney, and Singapore where Open Loop Transit systems have been enabled.
 
 As of 30 June, 3.4 billion Mastercard and Maestro cards have been issued globally.