MTR launches QR code payment service in coming January

The MTR Corporation and AlipayHK announced today that starting on the coming January 23, passengers can travel on the MTR using a “QR Code Ticket” on the MTR Mobile or AlipayHK at all 93 stations.

Same as passengers using their Octopus cards, those who travel with the new QR code will also enjoy a 20 percent rebate for every trip until March 31 next year.

However, other MTR fare promotions and Public Transport Fare Subsidy Scheme are not applicable to the QR code payment, said an MTR spokesman.

Tickets to suit different passenger groups including adult tickets and concessionary tickets are available for the new payment system.

Commercial Director of MTR Corporation Jeny Yeung Mei-chun said electronic payment is increasingly dominating people’s daily life, that is why mobile payment has been an important focus of the Corporation’s digital transformation.

“The launch of QR code payment for traveling on the MTR will make traveling experience smarter, providing further convenience to passengers with smart mobility,” said Yeung.

She revealed that after the Alipay payment system, the MTR is hoping to add in the UnionPay QR code payment and WeChat pay a year later, and will accept credit card payment in the year 2023 at the earliest.