THE NATIONAL TRANSPORT Authority is to begin the phased rollout of contactless fare payments on TFI Local Link services from Monday.

On Monday, 1 December, passengers travelling on TFI Local Link Tipperary services all be able to pay their fares using debit or credit cards, as well as mobile payment options like Apple Pay or Google Pay.

The rollout builds on a 2023 pilot programme in Cavan and Monaghan. The 13 remaining TFI Local Link offices are set to adopt the technology on a phased basis.

The NTA says it expects to have the full rollout of contactless equipment across all 15 TFI Local Link offices completed by the end of 2026.

“Once fully implemented, contactless payments will be available on over 150 scheduled routes, supporting approximately 4 million passenger journeys annually,” a NTA spokesperson said.

“Card payments will be accepted for single fare journeys, with daily and weekly products still available via the Leap website or the TFI Leap Top-up App.

“Passengers will also still be able to pay using TFI Leap cards and cash, and Free Travel Cards will be available on all applicable services.”

The NTA said the initiative will improve accessibility and enhance the passenger experience.

It is also continuing to advance its Next Generation Ticketing (NGT) programme. The NGT programme is to introduce a “state-of-the-art, account-based ticketing system” across all TFI services including bus, rail, and Luas, beginning in the greater Dublin area.

Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien said the introduction of contactless payments on the local links in Tipperary is “an important initial step” towards NGT.

The Minister told an Oireachtas Committee on Transport in June that contactless payments on Dublin public transport are not expected to be fully implemented until 2029.