NFC TIMES Exclusive Insight – Major Brussels transit operator STIB-MIVB plans to begin accepting contactless EMV credit and debit cards and NFC wallets on Wednesday, the latest European capital to launch open-loop payments following the success of the technology as demonstrated in London.
STIB, which operates the Brussels Metro, along with more than 50 bus lines and 18 tram lines in Belgium’s capital region, is introducing open-loop to all three of its transit modes. It appears to be mainly targeting the new service for infrequent travelers, including tourists, while keeping its season tickets and other period passes on other fare media, such as its proprietary stored-value contactless MoBIB card. It’s not clear yet when STIB will offer fare capping to give customers using bank cards or NFC wallets price discounts on daily and weekly fares.
The operator now uses proprietary contactless technology for single tickets and 24-hour passes, which are paper, disposable tickets, for the infrequent travelers and tourists. STIB plans to increase the price of these paper tickets to discourage their use. The operator’s MoBIB cards, which use Calypso contactless technology, cost €5 (US$5.62) apiece for customers and are valid for five years, so are intended for regular travelers.