We're pleased to confirm the launch date for our new ‘Tap on, Tap off’ system as Monday 19 May 2025, two weeks from today.
The launch announcement comes following months of testing, working alongside Lothian Buses and our payment provider Flowbird to ensure the security and efficiency of the new system.
From 19 May when the system goes live, you'll be able to tap your contactless card or device onto the existing Platform Validators to begin your journey. Once you reach your destination, you'll need to Tap off on the same platform Validators to ensure that you obtain the best value fare for your journey.
This system works alongside Lothian Buses’ existing TapTapCap system to cap bus and tram travel across the city at the day ticket rate, seamlessly integrating buses and trams in Edinburgh. Better still, weekly travel will also be capped at the weekly rate, so you can travel as much as you like within the ‘City Zone’, and only pay the weekly cap fare.
In order to benefit from caps, exactly the same card or device must be used every time you ‘Tap on’ and ‘Tap off’. This ensures that all journeys are assigned to the correct customer and prevents journeys from mistakenly being registered as incomplete.
Customers who benefit from existing concession cards should continue to use these as before and aren’t required to ‘Tap off’ to end their journey. Each contactless card or device can only be used for one standard Adult fare – customers travelling in groups or with children should still use the ticket vending machines on platforms, the et app or the Bus & Tram App to pre-purchase their tickets.
Sarah Singh, Head of Service Delivery, said:
“We are delighted to be able to share the launch date for this new payment system, two weeks from today.
“The delivery of this project reflects months of hard work from colleagues across the business and Lothian Buses, to fully integrate ToTo into their existing system, and we’re pleased to be offering our best-ever service to customers across Edinburgh.”
Like the contactless payments already accepted in the city by Lothian Buses, the new system calculates the cheapest fare based on the number of journeys made and then debits the card in the early hours of the following morning.
Transport Convener for Edinburgh Council, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson, said,
“Integrating this new ToTo system across both Edinburgh Trams and Lothian Buses is a significant milestone for our public transport network and I’m excited that we’re only a couple weeks away from launch. This will allow residents and visitors to travel more efficiently and at the best value with ticket prices automatically capped at the cheapest daily and weekly rate.
“Our excellent public transport services is the most inclusive form of travel; it provides an alternative to car use especially for people on lower incomes or with mobility issues. Our integrated public transport system is something we’re very proud of here in Edinburgh - compared with similar sized cities we are an example to be celebrated and followed. Low carbon travel is also a key element of our wider climate ambitions and I’m sure this development will encourage greater use.
“I’d like to thank colleagues at both organisations for their efforts, and as a regular user of both bus and tram, I look forward to testing out the new system myself. I’m proud of the Council’s influence in delivering this key step through its ownership status of the operating companies and via direct investment. We’re committed to keeping Edinburgh moving and delivering the best possible public transport services for all.”
Unlike buses, however, customers will need to ‘Tap off’ to end their journey, using the platform validator when they reach their destination, as the network is split into two fare zones. Incomplete journeys where the customer has not ‘Tapped off’ will be charged at the standard Airport rate.
Further information and FAQs about contactless payment can be found on a dedicated page on the Edinburgh Trams website, here.