Stib airport bus to accept contactless bank cards

Contactless bank cards are to be accepted on some Brussels buses from next year, in an experiment offering passengers a new way of paying their fare.

Bus line 12, which links Brussels Airport with the EU district, will be the first to test out contactless credit and debit card payments.

Passengers boarding the bus without a pre-purchased ticket can wave their card by the driver to pay the €6 fare. Cash would still be accepted.

Stib spokeswoman Françoise Ledune said the measure was aimed at "casual users and tourists who are not aware how to buy tickets".

If successful, it could be extended to other buses and trams.