Contactless payment has gained even more space among digital payment methods available on public transport. With the pandemic, the use of the technological solution was boosted in the subway in Rio de Janeiro. In this period alone, from March 2020 until now, the concessionaire has registered 1.3 million transactions using the NFC method, breaking consecutive records in use throughout 2021. The number represents a 120% increase in use in the subway system compared to the year 2019. In addition, 97% of customers used the method once and returned to opting for the solution, which demonstrates the ease and fluidity of the technology.
Using contactless payment has become a safer alternative for customers. In addition to bringing convenience and speed when boarding the subway, as the customer does not need to queue to buy a ticket, the technology discourages the use of cash, an initiative that is in line with measures that can help prevent the spread of the coronavirus
Most NFC operations (89%) were made via prepaid, credit and debit cards from Visa, Elo and Mastercard, the first two brands being also accepted on bus validators, in addition to the turnstiles at the stations. Payments made by other enabled devices such as cell phones, watches and bracelets accounted for the other 11% of the total.
The fee is charged directly to the invoice or checking account, with no additional cost or fees.
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