Fueled by surging urban populations, the need for convenient, accessible and quick commuting over the city has become in focus. Enter intermodality—the seamless integration of different transport modes into a single, fluid journey. Whether you walk to a bus stop, take the metro, and hop on a city bike for the last mile, intermodality turns what used to be multiple disjointed trips into a coordinated, connected experience.

The roots of the term trace back to the logistics industry. Intermodal freight transport was revolutionized by standardized containers—designed to move smoothly from ship to train to truck without unloading cargo. This same philosophy now inspires modern urban mobility: shift people, not just goods, across different modes, without disruption or complexity.

As cities grow smarter and commuters expect more flexibility, transport systems are undergoing a transformation. One of the most impactful shifts in recent years is the move from Card-Based Ticketing (CBT) systems to Account-Based Ticketing (ABT). This transition represents more than a change in technology—it reflects a broader evolution in how mobility services are designed, managed, and experienced.

The Ajman Transport Authority, in collaboration with BPC, a global leader in payment solutions, has announced the launch of an open-loop and contactless payment system in public transport buses. Powered by BPC’s O-CITY platform, this system is a next-generation solution for fare collection in the transport sector and smart cities.