METRO passengers can now choose a Pay As You Go option on Android smartphones when travelling on the service after a collaboration between Google Pay and Nexus; the public body which operates the system.
From today (February 28), people are now able to load a pop-card into Google Pay on their smartphone, and then use it to touch in and out of the Metro system, in the same way that they usually travel on the service.
In order to use Pop Pay As You Go on Android, customers just need to add the Pop card, with value loaded into their Google Pay app.
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Google Pay automatically deducts the fare from the virtual card and applies the Pop Pay As You Go discount.
Customer Services Director at Nexus, Huw Lewis, said: “Pop Pay As You Go on Android will transform how our customers can pay for their travel using Google Pay, and this will make it even easier for people to access the Tyne and Wear Metro.
“Two-thirds of Metro customers tell us they are keen to move to smart phones to pay for their journeys, and today we are making that possible for Android users.
“The tickets are stored electronically on Android smartphones, so you can travel without needing to carry a separate ticket or smartcard.”
The Pop card app is available for download free of charge from the Google Play Store for weekly MetroSaver tickets.
Customers using their smartphone to travel will no longer need to queue for ticket machines or carry paper tickets or plastic smartcards.
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However, customers can continue to use contactless payment using a bank card or smart device, as well as cash and credit/debit cards, to purchase a ticket or top up their Pop card at Metro ticket machines.
Dylan McKee, CEO at Nebula Ltd, added: "We are delighted to have had the opportunity to collaborate with all the partners on this exciting project.
“Working together, we've developed a smart ticketing app that is user friendly, efficient and helps make travel on the Metro even easier. Being from and based in the region, we are particularly proud that Nebula Labs has had a role in developing something positive for customers and staff, that will become part of everyday life, throughout Tyne and Wear."
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