A new era in paying for travel on the Edinburgh Trams network has launched with the “Tap-on, Tap-off” (being called “ToTo”, complete with dog mascot) solution going live on Monday 19th May 2025. It now means passengers just have to tap their contactless payment method before boarding the tram and again after getting off with the system then deducting the correct amount.
The new system marks a significant step forward for not only Edinburgh Trams but public transport in the city as it will allow more seamless bus and tram travel across the city thanks to partnerships with sister company, Lothian Buses, and facilitated payment provider Flowbird.
Managing Director of Edinburgh Trams, Lea Harrison, said: “The launch of ToTo today comes today following months of hard work from colleagues across the business, and would not be possible without significant investment in existing infrastructure. We believe that ToTo future-proofs the tramway, making it easier and more efficient than ever to use the tram to glide across the city.”
Deputy Council Leader, Cllr Mandy Watt, was also at the launch (as was Toto the dog!): “I’m delighted to have attended the launch of the new ToTo system today. I really enjoyed meeting colleagues from Edinburgh Trams and Lothian Buses to hear about the new system and see the first journeys being made. This key development reinforces our integrated, seamless, and accessible public transport network here in Edinburgh, which is the backbone of any major city. It’s fair to say that when it comes to our public transport network, we punch well above our weight compared with similar cities.”
The system works alongside the existing Lothian Buses’ TapTapCap system, although the major difference is that because of the two fare zones on the trams passengers have to remember to not only tap on but also tap off. For anyone using both the tram and bus the fares they will be spending will be subject to a daily cap.
It is currently only available for standard adult fares with anyone wanting to buy child fares or any other form of concession still needing to use the ticket machines or app. If anyone manages to not complete their journey by not tapping out they’ll be charged the full Airport zone fare of £7.90.
David Thompson, General Manager – Transport for Flowbird, commented: “At Flowbird, we’re proud of our partnership with Edinburgh Trams, alongside Lothian Buses, in developing and delivering Scotland’s first multimodal, multi-operator account-based ticketing system. Edinburgh is a true ‘world’ city and so it is fitting that its people, along with millions of visitors, should benefit from technology that makes travel on the tram and bus network seamless, easy to use and cost effective. By doing so, we encourage a modal shift to more sustainable transport and help to make cities more liveable.”