Almost everywhere we look, the payment is becoming a single embedded step in a transaction flow. In this announcement, amusement park queuing specialist Lo-Q has teamed up with MasterCard (via a memorandum of understanding) to add PayPass capabilities to a next-generation alerting device put in the hands of a park visitor.
Lo-Q devices are given to park patrons so they don’t have to stand in line to get on that Coaster of Terror or Flaming Flume ride. Like the buzzing boxes handed out at some restaurants to alert patrons when their table is ready, the Lo-Q device allows park visitors to do something else while waiting for their turn rather than burn precious hours standing in line. The Six Flags operation is a major Lo-Q customer.
While the nature of the MasterCard/Lo-Q is not spelled out, one can imagine also using the contactless device for purchases of food and beverages at on-premise restaurants, gift shops, and vending machines.
Under the terms of the memorandum of understanding the pair will develop a new contactless payment device that combines the card giant’s PayPass payments technology with Lo-Q’s software.
Once developed, they will then promote the combined product to theme parks, water parks and other attractions.
