ContactlessNews | Merseytravel debuts Walrus card

Monday, September 26, 2011

Merseytravel, the transport authority for Merseyside County, England, has announced the launch of its new smart fare card, the Walrus.

Modeled after London’s Oyster card, the Walrus enables contactless ticketing on Merseyside’s rail, bus and ferry systems, as well as small value purchases at supporting merchants.

Neil Scales, chief executive at Merseytravel, explains: “We are aiming towards a network where people pass seamlessly through our stations and ferry terminals, while also being able to board buses and even buy a coffee.”

Like the Oyster, Walrus cards can be topped up using kiosks at travel stations or online.

The new cards can be ordered online, via phone, or in person at Merseytravel centers starting this weekend. Additionally, passengers who renew their annual all-zone Trios can receive the Walrus card instead of the paper version currently issued.

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