Contactless ticketing rollout planned for Dublin from 2028
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Contactless payments are finally set to arrive across Dublin’s public transport network, with a full rollout expected to begin in 2028.
The development follows the opening of a new project headquarters in Dublin this week, which will act as the central base for Ireland’s Next Generation Ticketing programme. The facility, located at Heuston South Quarter, will oversee the design, testing and deployment of a modern ticketing system aimed at making travel simpler and more convenient for passengers.
Once introduced, the new system will allow people to pay for journeys using contactless bank cards, smartphones, smartwatches and other smart devices. This will remove the need for most passengers to carry or top up a Leap Card, bringing Dublin into line with many major cities that already offer contactless travel.
The upgraded platform will operate using account-based ticketing, meaning fares will be calculated automatically after travel and charged directly to the customer’s bank account. This approach allows for more flexible fare structures and easier journey tracking across different transport modes.
Installation of the required technology is expected to begin in 2027, with new payment validators being fitted across Dublin Bus, Luas and rail services. The full contactless system is scheduled to go live in 2028, starting in the Greater Dublin Area before expanding nationwide.
In total, the project will involve upgrading around 240 station gates, installing approximately 1,000 validators at Luas and rail stations, and fitting about 2,800 validators across the bus fleet.
Existing payment options will remain in place. Leap Cards, Free Travel Passes and discounted fare products will continue to be supported, ensuring that passengers who prefer or rely on current systems will not be affected by the change.
The new headquarters will also generate around 40 jobs, spanning areas such as software development, systems integration and operational support, all focused on delivering the nationwide rollout of the new ticketing platform.
The introduction of contactless payments marks a major step forward for Ireland’s public transport system, which has lagged behind many European cities in modernising fare collection. The new system is expected to improve convenience for passengers, reduce boarding times, and support future improvements in fare structures and travel planning.
More details on the project and planned rollout are available on the Transport for Ireland website.