Taipei: Passengers will be able to enter the Taipei Metro system using credit cards or Apple Pay's Express Contactless Protocol (ECP) starting in July 2026, as confirmed by Taipei Rapid Transit Corp. (TRTC) to CNA.
According to Focus Taiwan, the new payment methods will undergo phased launch tests and transaction security checks by acquiring banks and international card organizations before full implementation. The plan will allow passengers to tap their credit cards directly or use mobile payment systems such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay linked to a credit card. This method will function similarly to the current EasyCard system, where fares are deducted upon exiting the metro.
The ECP system, under development by Apple and participating banks, is slated for rollout after bank testing, scheduled for completion by July. In addition to credit card payments, starting January 2026, both the Taipei Metro and city bus systems will accept QR code payments through popular electronic payment services in Taiwan, including TWQR, Easy Wallet, iPass Money, and others.
A project to update and replace the Taipei Metro's ticket gates for QR code payment accessibility was completed on schedule in October, with 1,396 main units and 2,361 payment boxes installed. These new payment options are expected to offer passengers greater flexibility, reduce ticket purchase time, and decrease cash transactions, enhancing the overall travel experience, according to TRTC.