In June 2023, Golong integrated the Octopus card swiping function, propelling the Hong Kong Tram into a diversified electronic payment era. This move meets the demand for diverse international payment options within the public transportation sector in Hong Kong and further enhances the convenience and diversity of payment for public transport travel.
The Hong Kong Tram, also known as the "ding ding" tram, is one of the oldest public transportation tools in Hong Kong. It is not only the city's first tram system but also one of the largest and oldest double-decker tram networks in the world that still exists.
Over time, the Hong Kong Tram has become a symbol of the city and is a beloved mode of transport for both locals and tourists. It offers convenient urban travel while carrying rich historical sentiment and cultural memories. The recent upgrade of the payment system allows more passengers choosing the Hong Kong Tram to enjoy the leisurely pace of the tram rides and experience the unique charm of Hong Kong.
Golong fully supports the Hong Kong Tram’s entry into the diversified electronic payment era, addressing the needs for international payment diversity in public transportation scenarios and improving the convenience and variety of payment options for public transport.
Golong facilitates the Hong Kong Tram’s digital transformation, efficiently implementing contactless credit card, QR code, and NFC (X-Pay) payments, as well as Octopus card payment options. This collaboration offers more diverse payment services to passengers in Hong Kong’s public transit system.
TIPS: The Hong Kong Tram utilizes the ODA (Offline Data Authentication) model for contactless payments, which separates the verification of financial cards from the payment process while allowing them to occur in parallel. This approach ensures a smooth tapping experience while maintaining the real-time integrity of data. The product's main features include stable and fast transaction speeds, relying solely on card and terminal performance without the need to wait for online transaction responses, and it does not depend on the terminal's network status.
● Thales, in partnership with GOLONG (Golong International Technology Company Limited), provided an integrated electronic payment system for Hong Kong Tramways Limited (HKT).
● This system helps Hong Kong's passengers, who average 150,000 per day, with access to 12 electronic payment means including contactless credit card and QR codes, whereas only two methods were accessible before: Octopus cards and cash.
© Thales
Hong Kong Tramways Limited (HKT, wholly owned by RATP Dev) currently has 165 tramcars. Thales’ new integrated solution includes software development, provision of Octopus and EMV QR Back Office and hardware design to replace existing payment system to all-in-one validator to support EMV payment, QR payment and Octopus. Thales will provide as well 3 years maintenance service to HKT.
This new Electronic Payment System has been launched in June 2023 on regular passenger trams for public’s convenience in fare payment.
The new electronic payment methods accept Octopus card, but also contactless credit card and payment QR. Thales system allows thousands of Hong Kong citizens and tourists to have 14 fare payment options: 12 new electronic payment methods* on all regular tram routes, in addition to Octopus cards and cash.
“Thales is delighted to develop this user-friendly and flexible payment system of the world's largest double-deck tram fleet in operation and, among others, the most environmentally friendly public transport in Hong Kong”. Mr. Jean-Marc Reynaud, Vice-President, Revenue Collection Systems, Thales.
“ Hong Kong’s tramcars affectionately known locally as “Ding-Ding” have been operating for over 100 years. A true icon of the city and an enjoyable opportunity to experience a moving theatre of scenery and street life. Thales is committed to meeting the expectations of everyday customers while preserving this precious heritage.” Mr. Nicolas Rabbat, Chief Executive Officer, Thales Ground Transportation Systems, Hong-Kong
*The following payment media are supported: Octopus Card, Contactless Credit Card (Visa / MasterCard / UnionPay / JCB), Mobile Payment (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, Huawei Pay) and QR Code (AlipayHK “EasyGo”, Alipay “Transit QR Code”, UnionPay “Transit QR Code” and BoC Pay “Transit Code”)