Operators urged to make public transport cashless

KUALA LUMPUR: Public transport operators have been urged to adopt cashless payment to improve the ticketing system and service.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the ministry was working closely with public transport operators in implementing the cashless system, especially those outside the Klang Valley.

“My hope is to see more public transport operators use the cashless system.

“Faster transactions mean less queueing and congestion at the ticketing points. Customers need not carry a lot of cash to buy a train ticket as they can now choose between mobile wallets and contactless cards.

“In terms of security, contactless payment technology has been tried and tested worldwide, and proven to be secure.

“Cashless transactions also mean greater efficiency for the rail operators in the long run due to lower costs in terms of cash handling, manpower and fraud risks,” he told reporters after launching the Go Cashless on Public Transport campaign.

Loke said although the government could not force operators to enforce such a move, continuous efforts are being done to improve the public transport system.

“There is no time frame for the implementation of a cashless system as it is part of our awareness campaign.

“It will be done in stages, and we will make the necessary announcements from time to time,” he said.

In this respect, said Loke, the government would like to urge rail operators to play their part in ensuring the benefits are felt by the people.

“Offering value deals to commuters such as unlimited access cards and discounted monthly passes can certainly ease the rakyat’s burden. Joint promotions with partners who share a common goal can also benefit the public,” he said.

He also suggested railway operators come up with more incentives such as dynamic pricing during off-peak hours.

“The operators can analyse data and trends of ridership and use the information to introduce dynamic pricing.

“If they can introduce the incentives, it will further boost ridership during off-peak hours,” he added.

Loke pointed out Express Rail Link and its cashless payment solution partners as an excellent example of how private enterprises can form successful partnerships with the government.

“These partnerships will continue to be the way forward and complement the government’s commitment to improve the quality of public transport service and overall customer experience,” he said.