To make traveling easier for passengers, NS is testing contactless check-in with a debit card. Next week, the railway company will recruit travelers at the station in Den Bosch who want to try the new system during a trial period, which starts August 29.
The intention is that in due course everyone will be able to check in with a debit card or credit card, but also with a digital debit card on a mobile phone or smartwatch.
First class instead of second class
In 2019, the NS has already tested small-scale with OVpay, as the new system will be called, on the route between Leiden and The Hague. Now the railway company is looking for a larger group of people who can travel throughout the country.
Polling people at the station in Den Bosch will therefore start next week. But as of this Friday, customers will already be approached via email to participate. As a thank you for their participation, travelers can travel in first class for the price of a second class ticket.
Summer not made
Last week, the administrator of OVpay announced that the introduction of the system had been delayed for at least six months. Originally it was intended that everyone would be able to check in with a debit card this summer, but that was not achieved. The intention is that the system will not only be used in trains, but in all public transport. At the stations, all check-in points are equipped with new card readers and images of public transport chip cards and the contactless payment logo.