The National Transport Authority (NTA) introduced of contactless fare payments in December on TFI local link Tipperary services, following a pilot scheme in Cavan and Monaghan in 2023. The projected costs involved in delivering the new contactless payment system to facilitate buying tickets for buses, trains and the Luas are very large. The National Transport Authority argued that the technology required to underpin a new contactless system was complex. “The new equipment must integrate seamlessly with existing infrastructure, whilst ensuring no disruption to ongoing public transport services and no interruptions to Transport for Ireland Leap Card and Free Travel pass customers. The project involves ensuring all payment processes adhere to the highest security standards to protect customers bank card data.

Source: The Irish Times February 03, 2026 16:11 UTC