‘Public transportation will be essential to ensure economic recovery’ – Visa Country Manager

A collaboration between Visa, Malta Public Transport and Bank of Valletta has led to the welcomed announcement this week of a new service on Malta’s buses: the introduction of contactless payments.

On behalf of Visa, Country Manager David Farrugia said “we know that as cities across Europe start lifting COVID-19 restrictions, public transportation will be essential to ensure economic recovery.”

The service, which is available on all 400 buses operating on the islands, allows passengers to use contactless bank cards, smartphones or smartwatches to pay for their bus ticket.

“We hope that the launch of contactless payment systems on the Malta Public Transport network will make the lives of residents and tourists that use contactless payments much easier, simpler and safer,” Mr Farrugia added.

The system was tested on buses operating the islands’ busiest routes, and proved to offer passengers and efficient way of paying for their fares, resulting in reduced boarding time and faster journeys.