Alipay wins bid to provide QR code payment option at Hong Kong's MTR stations
Alipay users in Hong Kong will soon be able to take the country’s mass transit railway (MTR) by tapping their mobile phones at ticket gates in stations.
Alipay claims the QR code solution will allow passengers to scan a code in under 0.4 seconds at ticket gates.
This came after the Alibaba-owned mobile payment service provider beat out other providers to be appointed the QR code payment solution vendor for the MTR, with the service set to roll out from mid-2020 in 91 MTR stations.
Alipay claims the QR code solution will allow passengers to scan a code in under 0.4 seconds at ticket gates. In addition, as the QR code solution will support dual offline solution, it means if Internet service is poor or lacking, transactions can be completed to ensure smooth journeys.
“After our collaboration with minibus operators, Alipay is thrilled to have won the bid in being MTR’s QR code payment system provider. Not only is this a recognition in Alipay’s technological stability, we feel confident QR code transit technology will be successfully expanded into more aspects,” said Jennifer Tan, chief executive of Alipay Payment Service (HK) Limited (APSHK).
“Commuting via QR code is the trend for the future. Aside from gradually merging with Hong Kong’s public transports, we will also be exploring smart mobility in outbound travels by entering the most popular travel destinations of Hong Kong people, driving smart mobility across Hong Kong.”
China leads the Asia Pacific region for mobile payment adoption, where 96% of Chinese consumers have used a mobile payment app in the past six months, according to a research released by Kantar last month.