KUALA LUMPUR: Public transport users in the Klang Valley can expect more cashless payment options, with the open payment system (OPS) expected to be fully implemented across Prasarana Malaysia Bhd's rail network within 30 months and bus services within 15 months of the project's commencement.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the project was at the final stage of the procurement and evaluation process, with a decision expected by the end of this year.
"The implementation timeline is lengthy to ensure Prasarana fully complies with its internal procurement procedures and standard operating procedures, ensuring the procurement process is transparent, competitive, guided by best governance practices and delivers optimal value to the government and public transport users.
"In line with these requirements, the technical and commercial evaluations, as well as the relevant approvals, are being finalised before the contract is awarded," he said in reply to Zahir Hassan (PH-Wangsa Maju) in the Dewan Rakyat.
Zahir had asked about the implementation schedule for a fully integrated open payment system across all public transport services in the Klang Valley.
Loke said implementation would be carried out in phases once the project commenced.
"For Rapid KL rail services, 30 per cent of passenger access and fare collection equipment at each station is expected to support open payments within the first 12 months after the project begins, while full implementation across the entire rail network is targeted for completion within 30 months.
"For Rapid Bus services in the Klang Valley, the open payment system is expected to be fully implemented within 15 months of the project's commencement," he said.
Loke said the OPS initiative was a strategic step towards modernising fare collection through a comprehensive open payment ecosystem for rail and bus services operated by Rapid Rail and Rapid Bus.
The implementation will also cover Prasarana's public transport networks in Penang.
"Payment methods supported by the system will include MyDebit cards, international EMV-based credit and debit cards such as Visa, Mastercard, American Express and UnionPay, as well as JCB and other cards.
"Other options include contactless payments using near-field communication (NFC)-enabled devices, digital wallets such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay and Alipay, other approved e-wallet platforms, QR codes, including QR tickets and related QR payments, as well as Touch 'n Go cards and other payment methods approved in the future," he said.
Meanwhile, Loke said Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd had already introduced various digital and cashless payment methods across its ticket sales channels and passenger access facilities.
He said the initiative was part of KTMB's digitalisation efforts through its KTM Integrated Ticketing System application.
"KTMB implemented an open payment system for its Klang Valley services on Nov 1, 2024, where passengers can now make transactions using various payment methods, including debit cards, credit cards, Touch 'n Go eWallet, QR codes, Boost, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, Google Pay and KTM Wallet.
"The system is also supported by automated facilities, including automatic control gates and self-service ticket vending machines at the relevant stations," he said.
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