Public transport in the Rotterdam area has become more convenient as passengers can now use their contactless bank cards, credit cards, or mobile devices to check in and out on the metro. Buses and trams will follow suit soon.
New check-in and check-out method
The introduction of OVpay in Rotterdam, a new check-in and check-out method in Dutch public transport, allows passengers to use their contactless bank cards, credit cards, or mobile devices for travelling without a discount or subscription.
How does OVpay work?
Using OVpay is simple: hold your contactless bank card, credit card, or mobile device against the card reader or gate to check in, and check out in the same way upon reaching your destination. It is similar to contactless payments in supermarkets.
OVpay availability
Currently, OVpay is being introduced for contactless bank cards, credit cards, and mobile devices. Expansion to include students, business travellers, and subscription holders is planned for the future.
Step by step instructions
To use OVpay, remove your bank card from your wallet and check in and out with the same card* (or wallet app). Payments are processed automatically, and travel costs will appear the next day in your payment overview with the description NLOV.
*When travelling by bus or tram, double-check that the card reader is compatible with OVpay, as the upgrading of card readers might still be ongoing.
Compatible bank cards
Check in and out with:
- A contactless bank card from ABN AMRO, ASN Bank, bunq, ING, Knab, Rabobank, RegioBank or SNS
- A contactless credit card from Mastercard or Visa (e.g. issued by ICS)
- A mobile device linked to one of the above-mentioned bank cards or credit cards for contactless payments, such as Apple Pay or Google Wallet
- A foreign contactless bank card or credit card from Maestro, V PAY, Mastercard or Visa.
Check your travel history
Should you ever need to check your travel history, or get an explanation of travel costs, or adjust a missed checkout, note that you can do it all from the self-service page on the OVpay website.In Rotterdam, practically all public transport is run by the RET. If you create an account on the RET website, you can also link your (contactless) debit card, credit card, or mobile phone and find your OVpay travel history. More features for OVpay will be added in the future, such as: viewing and paying outstanding bills, viewing transactions, downloading payment overviews, and purchasing discount products and subscriptions through your My RET account.
