NS is participating in the OV Payment programme launched by the NOVB (National Public Transport Council). The programme was set up to offer easier and additional payment options for public transport passengers. In future, passengers will be able to check in and check out using their bank cards, credit cards, mobile phones, smartwatches etc. as well as the regular OV-chipkaart (public transport smart card). Over the next few years we will be running pilot projects among our passengers with a view to the possible introduction of three initiatives:
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paying for your journey using your bank card or credit card, possibly linked to your mobile phone or smartwatch. Much of the effort in 2020 was devoted to the technology required to make this possible, including investments in software and hardware for a new payment system;
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rail travel based on GPS positioning using your mobile phone;
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a new OV-chipkaart that removes the need for customers to physically go to an NS ticket machine to top up their balance or buy products.