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> Montreal is currently working on upgrading the system to allow people to just tap-to-pay at the turnstiles using their phones or compatible credit and debit c
by efreak 2y ago
> Montreal is currently working on upgrading the system to allow people to just tap-to-pay at the turnstiles using their phones or compatible credit and debit cards.
> Which is not something that you could do with a QR system
I've got several apps that display QR codes on the screen for an external reader. One of them is for my health insurance id card (a simple 10 digit number), another shows my COVID vaccination status (this one is complicated, and I'm not sure why they used a QR code for it. It must include batch identification and other information given the size)
- bunderbunder 2y agoBy tap-to-pay, I mean you need no special apps, you need no special accounts, any of that. You can pay with any physical credit or debit card that supports tap-to-pay, or you can use any credit or debit card you have loaded into your phone. With a QR code like that, people still need to install an app, set up an account, etc. It's just a lot more friction. In cities where I can tap-to-pay, getting set up to ride a bus or train for the first time takes literally zero time; I'm already set up. If I need anything special - apps, accounts, system-specific QR codes, etc - then the setup time instantly goes up to a minimum of 10 minutes. It's a relatively large barrier to entry for infrequent riders, and ultimately serves to discourage use of public transit.
- hgomersall 2y agoReally? Setting up contactless payment is quicker than having a QR code image? I use QR codes on the UK train system and I don't have any special apps. It seems to integrate with Google wallet too, which surprised me.