A phased rollout of contactless payments across TFI Local Link services has started in Tipperary, however, Dublin’s transport network may not have full contactless payment until 2029, almost a decade after the process began.
So, why are we so far behind our European counterparts?
Joshua Ellul, member of the Labour Party and the Dublin Commuter Coalition, along with listeners from across the country joined Lunchtime Live to voice their frustrations.
‘We’re Almost 10 Years Behind’
Joshua Ellul said the delay has reached an unacceptable level:
“We’re almost ten years now trying to procure this ticketing software. London has had it since 2012.
We’re behind all major European cities when it comes to contactless payments on buses.”
Ellul believes the issue is Irelands outdated infrastructure:
“The current system wasn’t designed to be easily updated.
Even when student Leap cards were introduced, every single machine on every bus, tram and Luas stop had to be updated individually," he noted.
Dee in Kerry said contactless payment would be transformational for rural users:
Paying by contactless with a smartphone for public transport, 10-5-19. Image: RossHelen editorial / Alamy“Public transport in Kerry isn’t great, and you often have to book online.
But it’s not rocket science, other European countries have had this for years.”
She questioned why cities like Dublin weren’t prioritised first, especially during peak travel:
“Traffic is manic at 7 or 8 in the morning, you’d imagine the cities would go first.
But everything just seems to take forever.”
Consequences for tourists
Listener Cathy shared her frustration at the inconvenience faced by visitors coming to Dublin:
“I’ve seen tourists pull out their credit card [on the bus] and they have to get off.
It leaves a really bad impression of Ireland.”
She questioned why the country hasn’t followed frameworks from abroad:
“I’ve used tap-in systems in London. Why aren’t we using it here?
How it can take [another] four years to implement is beyond me.”
James, who has lived in London for 16 years, said he felt "embarrassed" every time he comes home:
“It just seems so slow. Do we think about visitors at all?" he said.
Written by Annemarie Roberts
