QR Code Payments Coming to Taipei's Public Transport

Starting this Saturday, public transport users in Taipei and New Taipei City will have the convenience of using QR code generator payments on city buses and the Taipei MRT. This development, announced by the Taipei Department of Transportation, offers a new way for passengers to pay using their mobile devices.

How It Works

Five electronic payment providers, including EasyWallet, iPASS Money, iCash Pay, JkoPay, and PXPay Plus, have integrated the "transportation QR code" feature into their apps. To use this service, passengers should open their chosen app, select the transportation code feature, and scan the QR code at the ticket readers or gates. It's important to note that this feature is distinct from regular payment codes.

Upon successfully scanning the code and completing the fare deduction, passengers should proceed through the gate promptly. Waiting for confirmation on the phone app could cause delays for others, so moving quickly is encouraged.

Usage Guidelines

Similar to the use of stored-value transit cards, passengers must scan their QR code when boarding and alighting from buses or entering and exiting MRT stations. It is crucial to use the same payment method throughout the journey to ensure a seamless experience.

Transfer discounts are available with EasyWallet, iPASS Money, and iCash Pay. However, credit cards and mobile wallets like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay are not currently accepted on buses. An upcoming six-month trial could potentially allow these options on the MRT starting next July.

Benefits and Rebates

Frequent riders can continue to enjoy the benefits associated with stored-value cards such as EasyCard, iPASS, and iCash. The system for these cards remains unchanged, and QR code users will also qualify for MRT loyalty rebates. These rebates are credited to the payment account by the fifth of the following month. However, rides paid with different providers or accounts cannot be combined for rebate calculations.

Future Expansion

In its effort to broaden the accessibility of QR code payments, Taipei is actively encouraging other payment platforms like LINE Pay Money to join the system. This expansion aims to enable residents to access public transportation services across the greater Taipei area using just their mobile phones, enhancing convenience and modernizing the payment process for daily commuters.

The integration of QR code technology into Taipei's public transport system marks a significant step towards a cashless and efficient future, aligning with global trends and meeting the needs of tech-savvy commuters.