Rapid KL has expanded credit and debit card payments on some of its MRT line stations, which includes the acceptance of Apple Pay, Samsung Pay and Google Pay. However, the implementation is done on the token vending machines, instead of the gates.
To recap, public transport operators and agencies were instructed two years ago to adopt the open payment system, in an attempt to break Touch ‘n Go’s monopoly.
Rapid KL implements open payment system at MRT token vending machines
A quick check on the ground reveals that card terminals have been installed on existing token vending machines at Bukit Bintang and Tun Razak Exchange (TRX) MRT stations. We’ve been told that the card terminal roll out is ongoing and it will expand to cover the remaining MRT stations in the coming weeks.
To purchase a token with your credit or debit card, just purchase the token as usual at the machine by selecting the destination and the quantity, and then select Credit Card as the payment option. Next, proceed to tap your payment card or mobile device (Apple Pay/Samsung Pay/Google Pay) on the card terminal to complete the transaction.
While this is great for tourists or travellers who don’t have enough cash to buy a one way token, the solution still requires uses to line up at the token vending machines before entering the platform.
In contrast, KTM Komuter has gone completely cashless on 1st January 2025 and they have implemented card terminals on the gates.
For travellers who intend to make multiple short term trips, it is still cheaper to take Rapid KL’s MyCity Pass which starts from RM6 per day for unlimited rides across their MRT, LRT, BRT, Monorail and bus lines. However, users are still required to use the Touch ‘n Go card and they must purchase it over the counter at the station.
Questions remain on Rapid KL’s alternative contactless implementation
So far we still don’t know if the same open payment system implementation would be carried out on the remaining Rapid KL train lines including LRT, Monorail and BRT. Almost five years ago, Rapid KL conducted trials for contactless MyDebit card terminals at the gates for selected LRT stations such as Wangsa Maju, Lembah Subang and Pasar Seni, but it was never deployed widely for public use.
Perasan benda ni kat LRT Wangsa Maju tadi. RapidKL pun dah boleh buat direct payment guna kad ATM. Touch n Go pulak nak tunggu tahun 3030 baru boleh topup online agaknya. pic.twitter.com/YJhGyTwu7Z
— snowman (@orangsalji83) September 22, 2020
The ideal implementation is to have contactless card terminals installed directly on the gate itself which would eliminate the manual step of purchasing a token. Users can simply tap in and tap out with their preferred contactless card or even with their supported smartphones or wearable device via Apple Pay, Samsung Pay or Google Pay.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke had revealed recently that users of the My50 unlimited ride pass will soon be able to renew their passes via Touch ‘n Go eWallet and they will move away from MyKad as the sole payment method. He added that once the system integration is completed, users will be able to use either their TNG card or smartphones via QR codes.
Rapid KL had previously conducted a trial for Touch ‘n Go eWallet’s QR Transit in 2018 but it was never implemented after the trial ended.
