Littlepay, Indra, Cybersource and Unicre collaborate to modernise Lisbon's Metro ticketing system

Transit payments specialist Littlepay announces today its involvement in the deployment of a new contactless payment option for riders of the Lisbon Metro. Metro de Lisboa has chosen to modernise its transit payment infrastructure in an effort to increase the use of public transport in the city. The transit agency wants to improve the passenger experience by offering more customer-centric payment options. For riders, this removes the need to plan ahead and calculate the best value ticket in advance, now they can just 'tap and ride', safe in the knowledge that they'll only be charged the most advantageous fare based on their journeys. 

 

In this deployment, Littlepay provides the core transit payment service, in partnership with Indra for device validation and Cybersource and Unicre for local acquiring services. 

 

In preparation for this project, Littepay integrated with ticketing hardware specialist Indra, as their devices were the preferred option for the Metro de Lisboa. Littlepay offers a modular transit payments infrastructure that gives operators a wide choice of 'pre-integrated' devices, however, new integrations can be coordinated if the customer requires it. 

 

Paul Griffin, Head of Commercial at Littlepay said: "Letting clients choose their own hardware is an integral part of what we do. If an authority wants us to integrate with a specific validator or card reader, we are more than happy to do it. This keeps us flexible and gives transit authorities the freedom to personalise the infrastructure according to their needs." 

 

The system covers Metro de Lisboa's entire metro network incorporating a total of 56 stations across all four metro routes. With an annual ridership of 173 million, this move leads to a seamless transit ticketing experience for locals, professionals and tourists. Each single trip will cost €1.50, with a daily cap of €6.50. Riders will no longer have to pre-purchase a day pass, as their card will stop being charged once they reach the day ticket rate. For residents, business travellers and tourists, this eliminates the need to carry cash, download an app or visit a TVM to buy paper tickets, as well as making journeys easier.