EE looks to launch NFC payment on trains and buses

The UK’s EE is looking to extend its m-payment service by launching NFC payments on trains and buses.

The scheme is part of EE’s Cash on Tap service, which allows a customer to pay for purchases of £20 ($31.1) or under using a compatible phone with EE’s Tap Wallet app installed.

Jason Rees, EE’s director of new business, said: "Our vision is to put mobile at the centre of our customer’s world. Contactless is more than just payments.

"We’ve partnered with Stagecoach, while work has started with Transport for London to implement a system where customers can tap their phone and ride the tube."

EE retail staff are being trained to talk about the proposal to customers, who Rees says still have some trouble understanding NFC.

The number of merchants who take NFC payments in the UK has doubled from last year to about 230,000, and Rees expects the travel scheme to take off within the next two years.

He said: "I wouldn’t put a date on it but I’m pretty convinced in the next couple of years we’re going to really see this go mainstream."

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