[perch56]

This effective solution has been in use for a number of years now in cities throughout Czechia, Poland, Romania, Estonia and probably many others around Europe. I wish we could see a faster uptake of this approach in Ireland.

[avianlyric]

You maybe interested to know the TfL were the first metro system to use this system, they actually developed most of the technology themselves, and now sell it to a number of other cities.

[kmlx]

here’s another fun fact: TfL turned on contactless payments for all their stations without any apparent changes in their user facing hardware. one day the same oyster card reader started accepting contactless payments. i’m sure it was not as simple as turning on a switch but it looked that way :)

[Asraelite]

Yes, but it will inevitably lead to paper tickets being removed completely, which has already happened in some places. That is an absolute nightmare both in terms of privacy and in terms of ceding power to the credit card duopoly.

For the same reason that we need cash, we need to keep paper tickets at least as an option. I'm surprised the sentiment in this thread is so strongly in favor of cards; normally HN is a bit more cash-friendly.

[EVa5I7bHFq9mnYK]

The future is facial recognition instead of paper/electronic tickets; already being used in China, Russia and other such advanced countries.

[vidarh]

You can buy an Oyster card and top it up with cash.

[multjoy]

Paper tickets can also be tracked with ease and they can only be purchased at places guaranteed to have CCTV, so...

[felsokning]

Agreed. We need the contactless payment scheme.

For what its worth, you can use Leap for Bus Eireann and other services[1].

I think Irish Rail (excluding the Free Travel Scheme[2]) is the hold-out, in rural areas, as Bus Eireann and Irish Rail are the only services available in those areas.

While not the contactless payment scheme inferred from the article, it would still be a viable alternative to paper tickets.

[1] - https://www.transportforireland.ie/fares/leap-card/

[2] - https://www.gov.ie/en/service/9bba61-free-travel-scheme/

Edit: formatting

[CalRobert]

Where would you tap? I used to live near Clara train station in Offaly and there I just... walked on the train. I suppose they could add readers, of course.

[oneeyedpigeon]

I've been using contactless for the majority of UK train and tube travel for many years now. Phone is most convenient, but adds a significant stress factor!

[drexlspivey]

You can also setup “Express mode” in Apple Pay that works with TFL. You don’t have to unlock your phone/watch or press anything you just scan it and it works (like a physical card)

https://www.apple.com/uk/apple-pay/transport/

[mytailorisrich]

Buying paper tickets at the station using contactless can actually be faster and more convenient than navigating the apps.