Teething problem or a major flaw? Why mobile payments is not always such a good idea.

TfL warns Apple Pay users of fines for flat batteries

From Finextra –

“Transport for London is warning Apple Pay users that they could end up paying over the odds for the tube journeys if their iPhone batteries run flat.

Apple Pay launched in the UK earlier this week, with its compatibility with London's public transport system trumpeted as a major selling point.

However, TfL has issued a statement urging passengers to make sure they have enough battery on their iPhones and Apple Watches before embarking on journeys.

If the device runs out of battery in the middle of a rail journey, travelers will not be able to touch out at the end and could be charged a maximum fare. In addition, flat batteries could see penalty fares levied against those approached by inspectors.”

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Transport for London to overhaul Oyster technology

From Paymenteye  -

“With many users of London’s tubes, trains and buses embracing contactless card payments, TfL is exploring new options for its Oyster card system.

In the future, Oyster cards may directly incorporate the same contactless technology as credit and debit cards. Rather than the existing top-up system, this means that payments would be processed by the Transit Transaction Model, which currently handles contactless bank cards.

This will also mean that the Oyster system can follow the lead of contactless cards by adopting a flexible approach to fare capping.

At present, both Oyster cards and contactless cards “cap” at a set limit, after which the customer is not charged for their journeys. This limit differs according to the travel zones that the customer travels through during their day.”

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The future of payments in transport

From Finextra

“Shashi Verma, director of fares & ticketing, TfL and Huw Davies, head of emerging payments, MasterCard discuss the launch of contactless payments for London's tube networks, how MasterCard has been working with TfL to launch the programme, and the vision for the future of payments in transport.”

watch the interview (video) >>