Littlepay enables EMV payments in Costa Rica's public transportation

The new SINPE-TP infrastructure will allow users to pay in transit with their bank card for pay-as-you-go (PAYG) trips. Littlepay will process open payments within the new Costa Rican public transport contactless payment ecosystem.

With a centralised infrastructure, Costa Rica’s government aims to make fare collection on public transport more efficient and secure. By improving passenger experience, it hopes to promote greater use of public transport in the country.

The Central Collection System (back office) will be connected to Littlepay’s payment platform and will receive transaction (tap) data from passengers made onboard buses and the train service that operates in the centre of the country.

The system will launch with flat fares initially. However, due to its conceptual design it can be configured to apply fare caps and discounts, as well as other fare models that Costa Rican transport services may require in the future. It is also designed to process payments with QR codes and mobile wallets.

SINPE-TP currently operates on all train routes managed by Costa Rica's state-owned rail authority, Incofer, and it will be gradually introduced to bus services, starting with an initial launch across 200 buses during 2022. It will enable public transport passengers to use their contactless debit or credit cards, or contactless-enabled device, to pay for their fares, no matter the route or operator.