Shanghai Shentong Metro Group recently partnered with Mastercard to launch a card-on-file service for its Shanghai Metro App, which allows overseas travellers to use their Mastercard cards to access the metro system in Shanghai. — Photo Mastercard

Shanghai Shentong Metro Group recently partnered with Mastercard to launch a card-on-file service for its Shanghai Metro App, which allows overseas travellers to use their Mastercard cards to access the metro system in Shanghai.

The group will be the first urban public transportation system in China to accept international credit card transactions.

“It is our honour to collaborate with Shanghai Shentong Metro Group to provide cardholders with convenient public transportation services in Shanghai,” Dennis Chang, Division President, China, Mastercard, said.

Mastercard first entered the Chinese market three decades ago, and is glad to now have the chance to help Chinese tourism better align with international standards and is fully committed to playing an active role in China’s efforts to forge a global, interconnected payments ecosystem and enable Shanghai’s ambitions to achieve the titles of ‘Five International Centres’ (Economy, Finance, Trade, Shipping and T&I).”

“As an important partner of Mastercard, Lakala Payment is honoured to provide the payment infrastructure, risk control and technological support for this filing service. Together with the relevant parties, we expect to create a new metro experience in Shanghai for overseas travellers and build a new payments ecosystem for intelligent public transportation,” said Shu Shizhong, President of Lakala Payment.

Targeting Mastercard cardholders — full-time foreign employees and overseas travellers in particular — the cooperation provides simple metro access through the Shanghai Metro App, eliminating the need to purchase tickets. By filing their cards to the app, Mastercard cardholders can enjoy the same simple, safe and smart experiences — notably tap & go and post-payment — as Shanghai residents.

The service is already online, benefiting all cardholders with overseas-issued Mastercard cards. Mastercard is striving to bring this level of convenience to other scenarios including tourism, shopping and dining. — VNS