Londoners took 180m contactless journeys in first 12 months

The introduction of contactless payment onto the capital’s transport system is driving wider customer take-up of the technology according to industry experts.

Since contactless was introduced on the Tube, DLR, Overground last September more than 180 million trips have been paid for using compatible debit and credit cards, helping familiarise millions of Londoners with the technology.

Graham Peacop, Chief Executive of The UK Cards Association, said: “Once people see how fast, easy and secure contactless is for travel, they then go on to use it in other places such as when shopping or eating out.”

Passengers paying by contactless enjoy the same fares as Oyster users, including fares capping, and save time by avoiding the need to top-up and maintain a separate card.

Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: “It’s been an astonishing 12 months with so many Londoners embracing contactless technology on our transport network.

“It is clear passengers love using the payments to travel, and why on earth not – it’s quick, it’s easy and ensures you get the best fare. It’s yet another example of how we continue to invest in the latest technology to make getting around the Capital as easy as possible.”

Shashi Verma, TfL’s Director of Customer Experience,said: “The first year of contactless payments on TfL services has been a huge success. Introducing the technology is just one of the many ways we are making paying for transport easier for everyone travelling in London.

“Over 20 per cent of our pay as you go customers use contactless payment already because it is so quick and easy. There’s no need to top-up, you just touch in and out with your credit or debit card.”