Definition
What “open payments” means
Open payments (sometimes called open-loop payments) refers to accepting EMV contactless bank cards and digital wallets — Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay — as fare payment at transit validators. The card is used as a token to identify the rider; the fare is calculated in the back office and charged to the card after travel. No transit-specific account is required, though riders can optionally link their card to an account to access concessions and trip history.
The technology
EMV, NFC, and how they work together
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EMV
The global standard for chip-and-PIN and contactless card payments — the same technology used in retail and hospitality
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NFC
Near-field communication — the short-range wireless technology that allows tap payments at validators and gates
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Back office settlement
After travel, charges are submitted to the cardholder's bank — the same settlement process as any card payment
Open vs closed loop
How open payments differs from transit smart cards
Closed loop (transit smart card)
- Transit-specific card — only works on that network
- Value stored on card or in transit back office
- Rider must obtain and top up a transit card
- Agency owns the payment infrastructure
Open loop (bank card / digital wallet)
- Any EMV contactless card works — Visa, Mastercard, Amex
- Fares charged to the rider's bank account after travel
- No transit card needed — use what's already in their wallet
- Bank handles payment infrastructure — transit handles fare logic
Common questions
Open payments FAQ
Yes — riders can link their contactless card to a Justride account to access concessions, pass products, and trip history. The open payments tap-and-go experience is preserved; the concession is applied in the back office.
Open payments doesn't replace other fare media — it adds a new option. Agencies running open payments typically continue to support smart cards, mobile apps, and cash retail load alongside it.
EMV contactless payments are protected by the same security as retail card transactions — tokenisation, cryptographic authentication, and chargeback protection. No card data is stored by Justride.
Validators must support EMV contactless (NFC). Some agencies already have compatible hardware; others may need to upgrade or replace readers. Justride's open architecture means you choose the hardware partner.