London today started a trial scheme where passengers will be able to pay for their journey using special handsets with built in Oyster card or Credit card. Scheme will be accepted on underground and bus network.
Transport for London (TfL) has teamed up with Nokia handset producer, O2 mobile operator and Barclays Bank to try this scheme for next 6 months. When the phone is passed over a scanner in stations or shops, money is deducted from the mobile phone as payment.
Currrently users may spend up to £10 for payments in underground, bus network, selected shops and cafes, Threshers and Books etc.
If scheme is successful, it will be rolled out to accept larger payments and to a wider selection of retailers.
Those taking part will receive 50 pounds worth of Oyster journeys, 60 pounds off their O2 phone bill and 200 pounds to spend with the in-built Barclaycard.
Source: Reuters
