Ride the metro master class

Passengers can tap their Mastercard and UnionPay cards when taking the MTR from this Saturday as the rail operator is expanding the scope of contactless payment service which only covers Visa cards at present.

Passengers can simply tap these debit or credit cards - or devices such as smart phones or watches with payment enabled with these cards at the card readers on the light blue gates.

Except at Airport Express stations, each station on the nine heavy rail lines has at least two entry/exit gates that provide contact-free bank card payment function. By the end of next month, one to two new gates accepting the bank cards will be installed at each station entrance or exit - with more new gates placed in stations that tourists frequently visit.

MTR Corp also aims to upgrade the gates of the Airport Express so passengers can enjoy their trips by tap-and-go bank cards and QR code payments in 2026 at the earliest.