Train and bus passengers in Wales have been alerted to the possibility of a ‘card clash’ error that could result in them being charged twice for their journey. The issue arises when contactless payment systems inadvertently connect to a card stored in a phone case or wallet, leading to unintended double payments. Transport for Wales has introduced a pay-as-you-go system to streamline the payment process for passengers. However, a simple mistake like a card clash can lead to passengers paying twice without realising it.
To avoid falling victim to a card clash, passengers are advised to keep their credit and debit cards separate from the card they intend to use for payment. This precaution can help prevent the unintended connection of the contactless payment system to the wrong card. If a different card is mistakenly used for tapping on or off, passengers may end up being charged the maximum fare for an incomplete journey. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that the correct card is being used when making payments via a phone’s wallet or to disable the phone’s NFC function to prevent any accidental payments with a physical card.
Cardiff Bus has also issued a warning to passengers using mobile tickets to be vigilant about the card clash issue. They highlight that a card clash can occur when the contactless payment system connects to a payment card stored in a phone case or on a mobile device instead of the intended mobile ticket, such as Apple Pay. To address this concern, passengers are urged to keep their credit and debit cards separate from concessionary passes and mobile tickets to avoid any inadvertent charges. In case a payment card is mistakenly charged instead of a pass or mobile ticket, passengers can seek a full refund by contacting the customer service team and providing evidence of a valid mobile ticket or pass for the journey in question.
Transport for Wales emphasises the importance of using the same card or device consistently when utilising the pay-as-you-go system across its stations to prevent double payments. Passengers are reminded to remove their card from their wallet or purse when using contactless payment to avoid any confusion with multiple cards. By being mindful of these precautions, passengers can ensure a seamless and hassle-free payment experience while travelling on trains and buses in Wales.
The prevalence of the card clash error serves as a reminder for passengers to be vigilant and attentive when making contactless payments on public transport. With the convenience of contactless payment systems, it is essential for passengers to take proactive steps to avoid any potential payment mishaps that could result in being charged twice for their journey. By following the recommended guidelines and keeping their payment cards separate, passengers can minimise the risk of experiencing a card clash and ensure a smooth payment process during their travels.
As the transport infrastructure in Wales continues to evolve and incorporate digital payment solutions, raising awareness about potential payment errors like card clashes is essential. By educating passengers about the risks associated with inadvertent double payments and providing guidance on how to mitigate these risks, operators can enhance the overall passenger experience and minimise any inconvenience caused by payment discrepancies. Ultimately, promoting awareness and understanding of contactless payment processes can help passengers navigate the public transport system more effectively and enjoy a seamless journey without encountering payment issues.