Vix Technology have today announced the launch of Vix Whisper, a new contactless EMV payment service, as contactless payments go live for passengers of the Metrolink network in Greater Manchester.
Following a successful pilot phase with around 500 users trialling the system with both Visa and Mastercard cards, as well as ApplePay, GooglePay and SamsungPay enabled devices, Vix Technology have worked closely with TfGM to deliver the new payment system.Vix Whisper is a cloud-based, PCI-DSS-certified, secure middle office environment for the processing of EMV data from front office devices, engaging with banking services provided by acquirers and handling the secure exchange of transit-related data with the back office.
The service has been developed for transit operators that are looking to launch cEMV payment services alongside their existing ticketing systems. Whilst in Manchester, the contactless service is utilising Vix Technology’s PCP6100 platform validators, Vix Whisper has been architected to be deployed as an “add on” to operators’ existing card-based AFC solutions.The system is also back office agnostic, enabling it to integrate with existing automated fare collection systems through a series of APIs. Vix Whisper also supports multiple modes, fare types, point to point, distance based and zonal travel, and enables configurable caps to ensure passengers get the best value travel.
Michael Hart, business development director at Vix Technology said, “The new system enables Metrolink passengers to simply touch-in and touch-out at the start and end of their journey, automatically working out the total daily fare for customers, ultimately reaching a cap of no more than an adult 1-day travelcard price. “With existing complex payment options acting as a barrier to transit, contactless payments will make travel by Metrolink easier, improving access to jobs, leisure and education opportunities across the Greater Manchester area.
“Vix Whisper offers a simple, friction-free retail solution specifically designed for the needs of transit agencies and operators, utilising the latest technology and security, whilst removing the PCI-DSS compliance burden. It’s the fastest way for operators to roll out contactless payments.”Vix Technology can also provide a full end to end contactless payments service, including front end devices and back-office systems. Vix has been designing, delivering, operating and maintaining some of the world’s leading transit ticketing systems for the past 30+ years. With the innovative smart booking, ticketing and secure payment systems, Vix has helped make public transport more accessible and more cost-effective to operate. With customers in 200+ cities across the globe, Vix is passionate about providing a better customer journey for passengers.
