Ever wished you could just tap your credit card at an MRT or LRT fare gate in Kuala Lumpur without having to buy a token or search for your Touch ‘n Go card?
The good news is, that option is on the way.
According to Malay Mail, Prasarana Malaysia Berhad has confirmed that it is working towards implementing an open payment system for Rapid KL’s rail and bus services, which will eventually allow commuters to use credit cards, debit cards, QR payments and mobile wallets (Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, etc.) for their journeys.
Why you still can’t tap in with credit cards now
At the moment, Rapid KL’s train services still rely on the existing automated fare collection system, which uses the Touch ‘n Go platform.
This means commuters can currently tap in and out using Touch ‘n Go cards, or purchase single-journey tokens at ticket machines or station counters.
While passengers can use cash, credit cards or debit cards at ticket machines and counters, these are only for buying tokens or reloading Touch ‘n Go cards, not for directly tapping in and out at fare gates.
QR code payment is also available at LRT, MRT, Monorail and BRT station counters, but not yet as a direct tap-in and tap-out option.
What about Rapid KL buses?
For Rapid KL bus services, passengers can currently only use Touch ‘n Go cards or RapidKL cards, with a minimum balance of RM3 before boarding.
Cash payments are no longer accepted on Rapid KL buses.
Meanwhile, Rapid KL On-Demand already allows more payment options, including Touch ‘n Go card, DuitNow QR, debit cards, credit cards and e-wallets through its app-based booking system.
However, Prasarana said credit cards, debit cards and mobile wallets such as Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay are not yet enabled for direct tap-in and tap-out across rail or bus services.
Open payment system in the works
Prasarana said the open payment system project is currently in the final stages of the award process.
Once implemented, commuters will be able to use credit and debit cards for more seamless travel, with mobile wallets expected to be supported eventually as well.
QR code payment capability will also be part of the rollout for both rail and bus services.
When can commuters expect it?
According to Prasarana, once the project is awarded, about 30% of rail fare gates are expected to support open payments within 12 months.
A full rollout for rail services is targeted within 30 months.
For Rapid KL bus services in the Klang Valley, full implementation is targeted within 15 months.
So while Touch ‘n Go is still the main way to ride Rapid KL trains and buses for now, commuters can look forward to more flexible payment options in the near future, including credit cards, debit cards, QR payments and mobile wallets.
