Alibaba's payment affiliate hops on Hong Kong metro

Alibaba’s payment affiliate in Hong Kong said it’s linking with the local metro operator to allow riders to scan their QR code at ticket gates. 

On top of that, AlipayHK users will be able to take the MTR by simply tapping their mobile phones at ticket gates at 91 MTR stations by mid-2020, according to an email statement yesterday. 

AlipayHK‘s e-wallet is operated by a joint venture between CK Hutchison Holdings Limited and Ant Financial Services Group. 

The local e-wallet version in Hong Kong was launched last year and competes with Tencent’s payment service WeChat Pay as both companies are eyeing overseas markets for expansion. 

MTR's daily transportation volume is around 5.8 million passenger trips on a working day. 

Currently, the Alipay HK e-wallet can be used at over 25,000 local retail outlets and also offers peer to peer transfers. It was also appointed the QR Code payment solution provider of the MTR. 

“Aside from gradually merging with Hong Kong’s public transport, we will also be exploring smart mobility in outbound travel by entering the most popular travel destinations of Hong Kong people, and offering smart transportation services to commuters,” said Jennifer Tan, CEO of Alipay Payment Service (HK) Limited. 

Earlier this week, Alipay linked with the Shanghai Transport Card Company by allowing riders to tap their Alipay QR code to pay for fares on more than 1,300 bus routes and 10 ferries in the city.