Public transport goes digital: using a credit card to enter instead of taking a ticket
What Is a Payment Terminal – and Why Tap In/Tap Out Is the Future of Public Transport
In today’s digital payment landscape, the payment terminal plays a central role. Whether at the supermarket checkout, in retail, or at public transport stations: wherever cashless payments are made, terminals are in use. But what exactly is a payment terminal – and why is this technology becoming increasingly important in public transport?
What Is a Payment Terminal?
A payment terminal is an electronic device that enables payments using credit cards, debit cards, or mobile payment methods such as Apple Pay or Google Pay. Modern terminals support contactless payments (NFC), chip cards, and even QR code scanning. They communicate with banks or payment service providers to process transactions securely, quickly, and reliably.
For users, the payment process couldn’t be simpler: hold a card or smartphone up to the terminal – and the payment is completed in seconds. For operators, payment terminals represent a modern, efficient, and low-maintenance solution for managing transactions.
Tap In / Tap Out: A Transportation Revolution
Payment terminals are taking on a new role in public transport. More and more cities are adopting the Tap In / Tap Out system: passengers check in by tapping a contactless card or smartphone when boarding, and check out again when exiting. Billing is fully automated – based on distance, time, or fare models – and handled in the background.
Why Is This System So Appealing?
- Convenience: No more ticket machines or fare confusion for passengers.
- Efficiency: Fewer vending machines, less administrative effort.
- Flexibility: Dynamic pricing models based on usage.
- Reduced fare evasion: Forgetting to buy a ticket becomes much less likely.
The result is a more user-friendly, fair, and transparent payment system – with significant potential to increase public transport usage.
Successful Use Cases Around the World
Several cities have already successfully implemented Tap In / Tap Out:
- London (UK) – With the Oyster Card and contactless payments, Transport for London became a global pioneer.
- Amsterdam (NL) – Since 2023, contactless payments are the standard in nearly all public transport systems.
- Singapore – The Land Transport Authority supports open-loop systems using credit cards and mobile payments.
- Stockholm (SE) – The SL Access Card has been replaced by a more flexible, contactless system.
- Vienna (AT) – Pilot projects using Tap In / Tap Out are underway on selected lines.
Our Contribution: Gaga-Go 885 – The Payment Terminal for Public Transport
With the Payment Terminal “Gaga-Go" 885, ddm hopt+schuler is expanding its portfolio to include a dedicated solution for public transportation. This compact payment terminal is specially designed for the demands of urban environments – robust, fast, and fully contactless. It enables quick and seamless payment of small amounts via Tap and Go, making it ideal for single trips, short distances, or flexible fare models.
Thanks to open interfaces and modern security standards, the Gaga-go 885 integrates smoothly into existing infrastructure – supporting the digital transformation of mobility systems worldwide.
Conclusion
Payment terminals are more than just checkout devices – they are key enablers of modern mobility solutions. Tap In / Tap Out systems demonstrate how technology can make public transport more convenient, efficient, and appealing. With the Payment Terminal “Gaga-Go" 885, ddm hopt+schuler offers a reliable, future-proof solution for transit providers – secure, user-friendly, and built for the mobility of tomorrow.
