Macao lets bus users pay with WeChat

Public buses in Macao began accepting fare payments by QR code from mainland and Hong Kong WeChat Pay platforms on Tuesday, providing more payment options for residents and travelers.

The addition of the platform is the latest in a series of efforts by the city's public transportation department to diversify its digital payment solutions. More than 90 percent of its public buses already accept Alipay, China UnionPay's Cloud QuickPass and local platform Simple Pay+.

Users can search for the miniprogram "Transit QR Code" on WeChat and scan the QR code on the buses after verifying their identity.

The Transport Bureau of the Macao Special Administrative Region announced that it will keep a close eye on the effectiveness of the new payment methods and continue coordinating the introduction of other innovative options. "We aim to further facilitate traveling convenience for residents and tourists," the bureau said.

Macao has been making big strides to keep pace with technological advances and optimize its digital economic development.

Earlier this month, palm scan payment supported by Chinese technology giant Tencent was also launched in Macao. In the first phase of its application, more than 60 retail outlets at StarWorld Hotel, Galaxy Macau, Broadway Macau and Galaxy Arena have supported the novel payment solution.

"The total number of mobile payment transactions in Macao last year were 22 times higher than four years ago," said Tai Kinip, director of Macao's Economic and Technological Development Bureau.

Bringing more cutting-edge payment methods to Macao is expected to inject new vitality into the digitalization and integration of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, as mainland consumers are accustomed to electronic payments.

However, there are still a few public transportation options that do not fully accept fare payments via QR codes, including the Macao Light Rapid Transit system.

Besides transportation payment, Macao is also upgrading its legal tender currency as the Monetary Authority is conducting research and development of the "Digital Macao Pataca", or e-Mop.

The authority announced on Monday plans to launch a prototype system with basic functions by the end of this year that will enable the public to use e-Mop for some situations during the celebration of the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland.

grace@chinadailyhk.com