Phuket Smart Bus has partnered with Mastercard and Krungthai Bank to introduce Tap & Go EMV contactless payments on the Phuket Smart Bus.

To position itself as a smart tourism hub, the company aims to offer cashless, open-loop payments via electric buses connecting Phuket International Airport, Rawai, and Phuket Old Town.

Enhancing Travel Experience in Phuket

The Mastercard Economics Institute’s Travel Trends 2025 report indicates that Phuket was Thailand’s top culinary destination in 2024 and eighth globally, appealing to food enthusiasts from around the world. This trend underscores the need for modern mobility solutions.

Mastercard is powering Tap & Go EMV contactless payments on Phuket Smart Bus, facilitating travel without cash for both locals and visitors. This collaboration supports Phuket’s goal of becoming a smart tourism city integrated into the global digital economy.

The open-loop payment technology allows passengers to tap their contactless credit or debit cards for bus rides, eliminating tickets and top-ups. This improves convenience, particularly for travelers arriving at Phuket International Airport. It also helps transit operators reduce fare collection costs and boost operational efficiency.

The EMV contactless system is now active on two key routes: the Phuket International Airport to Rawai route, which links major west coast destinations like hotels, beaches, and communities; and the Dragon Line for travel within Phuket Old Town. This initiative supports sustainable tourism by reducing private vehicle usage in the Old Town area.

With this move, Phuket is now part of the network of over 390 cities worldwide that have adopted contactless payments in public transportation systems, alongside prominent cities like London, New York, Singapore, and Sydney.