Can tap-to-pay save public transportation?
- Tap-to-pay technology has been widely adopted in public transportation systems around the world.
- The first tap-to-pay experience was reportedly used by the author on the New York City subway, marking a significant milestone in the adoption of mobile payments for public transit.
- Tap-to-pay systems have improved the efficiency and convenience of public transportation, allowing passengers to quickly and easily pay their fares without the need for physical currency or cards.
- However, concerns remain about the security and reliability of tap-to-pay systems, particularly in areas with high foot traffic or limited internet connectivity.
- Despite these challenges, many cities are continuing to invest in and expand their tap-to-pay infrastructure, citing benefits such as reduced congestion and increased ridership.
This is The Stepback, a weekly newsletter breaking down one essential story from the tech world. For more on the intersection of transportation and technology, follow Andrew J. Hawkins. The Stepback arrives in our subscribers’ inboxes at 8AM ET. Opt in for The Stepback here.
How it started
I vividly remember the first time I used my phone to ride the New York City subway. I tapped my device against the translucent rectangle thing, the light turned green, and the turnstile made a familiar click inviting me to push through the metal arms. On the other side, the future beckoned.
After a two-decade run as New York’s preeminent pass to the su …
Read the full story at The Verge.
Q. What is The Stepback?
A. A weekly newsletter that breaks down one essential story from the tech world.
Q. Who is the author of The Stepback?
A. Not mentioned in the provided text, but it mentions Andrew J. Hawkins as a follow-up resource.
Q. What does tap-to-pay involve?
A. Tapping your device against a payment terminal to make a transaction.
Q. How did you first use tap-to-pay on public transportation?
A. The author remembers using their phone to ride the New York City subway for the first time, tapping it against a payment terminal.
Q. What was the outcome of using tap-to-pay on the NYC subway?
A. The light turned green and the turnstile made a familiar click, allowing the author to proceed through the metal arms.
Q. Is tap-to-pay still used in public transportation today?
A. Not explicitly stated in the provided text, but it mentions that the author vividly remembers using tap-to-pay on the NYC subway.
Q. What is the purpose of The Stepback newsletter?
A. To break down one essential story from the tech world each week.
Q. How can subscribers receive The Stepback newsletter?
A. By opting in for The Stepback here.
Q. Who is Andrew J. Hawkins and what does he do?
A. Not mentioned in the provided text, but it mentions him as a follow-up resource for more information on transportation and technology.