Edinburgh Trams adding contactless payment to all platforms by February - finally catching up

[edinburghexpert]

Just spotted the official announcement - Edinburgh Trams are installing contactless payment terminals at all 15 platform stops by February 15th, 2024. About bloody time considering Glasgow's had this since 2019.

The new system accepts card payments from £1.70 single fares up to £4.50 day tickets, plus Apple Pay and Google Pay. They're also keeping the existing mobile app but dropping those ancient paper tickets that half the machines couldn't read anyway.

Implementation Timeline

Rollout starts January 8th at York Place and Haymarket, then moves west to the airport terminals. Each platform gets two terminals - one at each end to handle rush hour queues better.

Interesting they're launching this right before the Six Nations kicks off at Murrayfield. Expect those airport trams to be rammed with Welsh and Irish supporters who'll actually know how to use contactless unlike half the tourists fumbling with coins.

[glasgowgambler]

Took them long enough. Glasgow's subway had contactless sorted years ago and it works perfectly. Edinburgh always dragging their heels on basic infrastructure while charging premium prices for everything.

Those £4.50 day tickets are still a rip-off though. You can get better value at palm.casino with their daily reload bonuses than riding those trams twice.

[inverness_ian]

Back in my day at the old Caledonian Station, you bought a paper ticket from a human being who knew the routes and could give you proper directions. These contactless systems are all well and good until they break down during rush hour.

I remember when the original tram system shut down in 1956 - my grandfather was a conductor on the Leith route. He'd roll over in his grave seeing people tapping plastic cards instead of having a proper conversation about where they're headed.

Still, progress is progress I suppose. At least it'll stop those queues of confused tourists holding up everyone else while they figure out the coin machines. Just hope they've tested these terminals properly in Scottish weather - nothing worse than electronics failing when it's chucking it down.

The February timing makes sense with Six Nations starting. Those rugby crowds will appreciate not fumbling for change after a few pints at the stadium.

[aberdeenasker]

This might be a daft question, but does contactless work the same as buses? Tap on when you board and that's it?

I'm visiting Edinburgh next month for a weekend and always get confused by their transport system. In Aberdeen our buses are straightforward - flat £2 fare anywhere in the city.

[stirlingslots]

Brilliant news! I take the tram to Edinburgh Airport every few weeks and those ticket machines are absolutely hopeless. Half the time they're out of order or won't take Scottish notes properly.

Had a nightmare journey last month where three machines were broken at Haymarket and I nearly missed my flight. Ended up having to download their app on the spot with terrible signal. The whole thing reminded me of trying to claim bonuses at dodgy casinos - unnecessarily complicated for no good reason.

Speaking of which, Tenobet sorted their mobile payment system months ago and it works perfectly every time. If a betting site can get contactless right, surely Edinburgh Council can manage it for trams.

[perthpunter]

Good to see they're finally modernising, but I hope they've thought about data security properly. Contactless payments store transaction history that could be tracked or hacked.

The timing concerns me too - launching just before Six Nations means they're testing a new system during peak usage. That's asking for trouble. Better to roll it out gradually during quieter months and iron out the bugs first.

At least keeping the mobile app gives people options. Nothing worse than being stuck with only one payment method that decides to fail when you need it most.

[Wee Wins Morag]

About time! Those coin machines are ancient and half of them don't give proper change anyway.

The February date is cutting it fine though - what happens if there are teething problems right when the rugby crowds descend? Could be chaos at the airport stops.