Ajman Transport Authority wins global award for digital payment innovation

The Ajman Transport Authority (ATA) received the Open-Loop Pioneer 2026 Award on Thursday, 29 October, at the O-CITY 2026 Conference in South Africa. The international recognition follows the agency's successful integration of bank card payments across its public transport network, eliminating the need for specialized transit-only cards. Digital Payment Integration The award recognizes the ATA for adopting an Open-Loop Payment System, a technology that allows passengers to pay fares directly via contactless credit or debit cards and mobile wallets. This system is designed to streamline the boarding process and reduce the infrastructure costs associated with managing proprietary physical ticketing systems. By enabling universal payment methods, the authority has simplified the commute for both residents and international visitors in Ajman. The O-CITY 2026 Conference, where the announcement was made, serves as a global platform for smart city technologies and digital fare collection systems. Smart Transport Goals This development is part of a broader mandate to digitize government services in the emirate. The ATA stated that the transition to open-loop technology supports the Ajman Government’s objectives for digital transformation and improving the quality of life through more efficient public utilities. The implementation has already resulted in more flexible payment options and faster service delivery for thousands of daily bus commuters. The authority plans to expand…