By 2018 it will only be possible to pay for travel using the national OV Chipkaart contactless smartcard, a smartphone, or a contactless bank card.
ONVL, the Dutch public transport association, believes abolishing cash payments will also yield other benefits, including shorter dwell times at tram stops. However, before the changes can be implemented passenger groups will need to endorse the plan. ONVL also wants to ensure the measure is widely implemented and that it will not lead to an increase in passenger aggression.
Eliminating cash payments will require significant investment - each tram and bus will need to be equipped with a payment terminal at an estimated cost of €1500 per vehicle.
