Contactless Payments Surge: Transit & Security

Contactless payments now account for roughly 60% of U.S. transactions, a shift that began with pandemic-era hygiene concerns but has since been sustained by consumer demand for speed and convenience. The technology has moved from optional feature to operational necessity, particularly in high-volume environments where reducing friction directly improves throughput and revenue.

Open-Loop Transit Gains Traction

Major U.S. cities—including Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle—are deploying open-loop contactless payment systems across mass transit networks. Unlike traditional prepaid fare models that require riders to queue for passes, open-loop systems let travelers tap existing cards or smartphones at turnstiles. This reduces friction for occasional users and tourists, lowering operational costs associated with issuing and managing proprietary fare media. Seattle’s expansion was partly driven by preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, illustrating how contactless infrastructure can support large-scale events while improving day-to-day ridership.

Venues and Digital Wallets Expand Reach

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