Metro Transportes do Sul and Shift4 Join Forces to Facilitate Travel Validation through Contactless Card Payments
Supported by Shift4’s payment technology, Metro Sul do Tejo users can now validate their trips simply by presenting their Visa or Mastercard debit and credit cards for contactless payments, eliminating the need to purchase specific tickets to travel.
Lisbon, August 13, 2025 – Metro Transportes do Sul (MTS), the company that operates the light rail system on south side of the Tejo River in Portugal, and Shift4 (NYSE:FOUR), a global leader in payment processing technology, today announced the implementation of a new technological solution that allows users to validate their trips with just a contactless payment card. This project represents a significant step in the modernization of the transport system in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area, particularly in the regions served by MTS (Almada and Seixal).
With Shift4’s payment solution, Metro Sul do Tejo users can now use their contactless cards or mobile devices as transport tickets, without needing to queues or purchase tickets in advance, simplifying the daily travel experience. Payment is made directly on the turnstiles, which are used to validate transport tickets.
Shift4 acquiring played a key role in the development of this solution. The company ensured a rapid and integrated implementation, simplifying the complexity of processes, both for the transport operator and for passengers.
Other partners contributing to this project include Axians, the VINCI Energies brand dedicated to ICT and digital transformation and a specialized integrator of smart mobility and fare collection solutions; and Switchio, an open-loop, account-based ticketing back office and payment services platform that enables seamless travel with a simple tap of an EMV card or digital wallet. The combination of these different strengths was essential to deliver a robust and efficient solution for the Metro Sul do Tejo network.
“The implementation of contactless payments on our turnstiles is an important milestone for MTS: with the integration of EMV technology, we have been able to simplify the experience for our passengers, allowing them to pay for trips quickly, without physical cash or queues to buy or load tickets,” said Tiago Santos, Commercial Director of Metro Transportes do Sul. “Shift4 proved to be the ideal partner for this technological evolution. Their expertise and ongoing support throughout the project confirmed that we made the right choice, and from today we can guarantee a robust and effective solution for our users.”
“This solution developed for Metro Transportes do Sul is further proof that we are a part of the evolution of payments in Portugal, especially when it comes to the use of transport,” added Magui Ribeiro, Iberia Account Manager at Shift4. “We are proud of this project, as it allows us to demonstrate, once again, that we are committed to modernizing mobility, offering simplified payments to ease the travel experience.”
‘’Shift4’s partnership with the Barraqueiro Group through Fertagus previously brought the first contactless payment operation for transport in the Lisbon region,” shares Liliana Oliveira, Director Business Development at Shift4. ‘’The extension of this solution to MTS reinforces the desire of both companies to facilitate mobility through innovative solutions that benefit all users, making their lives easier and more comfortable.’’
"With the introduction of digital bank payments in Axians’ ticketing solutions provided to MTS, we take a step forward in reinforcing the attractiveness of public transportation as the central pillar of urban mobility in the greater Lisbon Municipal Area, and strengthen our partnership with Grupo Barraqueiro and Shift4, following this implementation in Fertagus. At Axians, we consistently work to develop innovative solutions that substantially improve the quality of service and passenger experience, creating a positive impact on society," says Luís Reis, Business Unit General Manager for Mobility at Axians Portugal.
“This project is a clear example of how B2B cooperation drives innovation—without it, no project could be truly successful,” said Eduardo Vejarano, Account Manager at Switchio.
About Shift4
Shift4 (NYSE: FOUR) is boldly redefining commerce by simplifying complex payments ecosystems across the world. As the leader in commerce-enabling technology, Shift4 powers billions of transactions annually for hundreds of thousands of businesses in virtually every industry. For more information, visit shift4.com.
About Metro Transportes do Sul
Metro Transportes do Sul (MTS) operates the light rail system on the south side of the Tejo River, serving the municipalities of Almada and Seixal. Committed to sustainable mobility, efficiency, and comfort, MTS provides a modern and eco-friendly public transport, enhancing connectivity and quality of life in the region.
About Axians:
Axians supports clients – private companies, public entities, service operators, and suppliers – in their technological infrastructures and the development of digital solutions. To achieve this, Axians offers a diverse range of ICT solutions and services, including telecom infrastructures, cloud and data centers, enterprise networks, digital workspaces, data analytics, and cybersecurity. Axians’ specialized consulting, design, integration, and service teams create customized solutions that transform technology into added value with a human touch. Axians (http://www.axians.com) is a VINCI Energies brand (http://vinci-energies.com/). Axians worldwide, in 2024: 3.7 billion euros in revenue // 16.600 employees // 38 countries.
About Switchio
Switchio, a brand of Monet+, is an open-loop EMV payment platform for public transport, enabling contactless fare collection using bank cards, mobile wallets, and wearables. It helps operators modernize systems and deliver faster, easier, and more secure passenger experiences.
Contact
Nate Hirshberg
Senior Vice President, Marketing, Shift4
nhirshberg@shift4.com