02/02/2026
Over Two Million Translink Passengers Now Using Contactless Payments
Translink has reached a significant digital milestone, announcing that more than two million passengers on Metro and Ulsterbus services have now established contactless payment accounts.
The "tap & go" system, which allows travellers to pay using a bank card, smartphone, or smartwatch, has become a staple of public transport in Northern Ireland. While the majority of users are local, Translink revealed the system's international reach, with visitors from over 170 countries—including Australia, Brazil, and Canada—utilising the technology to navigate the region.
The contactless option is designed to streamline the boarding process and improve the passenger experience. In addition to individual travel, the system allows for group payments, enabling customers to pay for friends or family members on the same device.
Currently, Metro services alone facilitate approximately 500,000 passenger journeys every week. Popularity has been further bolstered by a £4 daily fare cap for unlimited travel and the introduction of permanent late-night services.
Phillip Woods of Translink commented: "Going contactless is now a way of life for many everyday payments and we continue to see more people take advantage of this modern and simple ticket purchase option."
He added: "Our customers are enjoying good-value journeys on board modern buses offering free wifi and USB charging while also being a more climate-friendly way to travel – in fact, we've now introduced almost 250 zero emission buses across our fleet. Thank you to everyone who's already embraced this technology and as 2026 gets underway we're encouraging more people to try contactless and stay better connected."
Passengers can find further details regarding payment options at www.translink.co.uk/contactless or by using the Translink Journey Planner App.
The "tap & go" system, which allows travellers to pay using a bank card, smartphone, or smartwatch, has become a staple of public transport in Northern Ireland. While the majority of users are local, Translink revealed the system's international reach, with visitors from over 170 countries—including Australia, Brazil, and Canada—utilising the technology to navigate the region.
The contactless option is designed to streamline the boarding process and improve the passenger experience. In addition to individual travel, the system allows for group payments, enabling customers to pay for friends or family members on the same device.
Phillip Woods of Translink commented: "Going contactless is now a way of life for many everyday payments and we continue to see more people take advantage of this modern and simple ticket purchase option."
He added: "Our customers are enjoying good-value journeys on board modern buses offering free wifi and USB charging while also being a more climate-friendly way to travel – in fact, we've now introduced almost 250 zero emission buses across our fleet. Thank you to everyone who's already embraced this technology and as 2026 gets underway we're encouraging more people to try contactless and stay better connected."
Passengers can find further details regarding payment options at www.translink.co.uk/contactless or by using the Translink Journey Planner App.
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One million journeys using contactless payment methods have been made across Translink Metro services in Belfast since the new technology came into force earlier this year. Passengers can use their smartwatches, phones, credit or debit cards to 'Tap On' board any Metro services with fares capped to offer affordability and flexibility.
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24 April 2012
Calls For Translink Not To Drift Into Deficit
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23 January 2012
Cashless Payment System Extended
Transport Minister Danny Kennedy has announced the extension of a trial cashless payment system to a number of cities/towns across Northern Ireland. Following the success of the initial trial of the first cashless payment scheme introduced in Belfast a year ago, the scheme will now be rolled out in Newry, Londonderry, Lisburn, and Omagh.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.