London buskers will soon be able to take card payments
Ever felt bad that you had no change to offer a busker (or secretly relieved)? Well, that's all about to change, as London is introducing contactless payments for its buskers.
We know, we're afraid of the future, too.
In what is thought to be a world-first, the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan and tech company iZettle have teamed up to keep the busking tradition alive and support budding artists.
The move, which is equal parts terrifying and pretty cool, will allow performers in London to set a fixed amount of money for passers-by to donate with their contactless card.
If you fancy it, you can also pay via wearable technology and chip and pin. Or good, old-fashioned cash, of course.
London buskers will be the first in the world to be paid with contactless cards. Songwriter and full-time busker @Ccampbellmusic explains how it's going to work (and treats us to a tune).
Read more on the new tech: https://t.co/VR4zS2MrMt pic.twitter.com/tD22tmpXSy- Sky News (@SkyNews) May 27, 2018
Sadiq Khan has called the Busk in London initiative "vitally important" if London wants to continue to support "the stars of tomorrow" (via Sky News).
"Busking helps emerging artists to hone their talent and gives them the chance to perform in front of huge numbers of people.
"Now, more Londoners will be able to show their support to the capital's brilliant, talented street performers," he added.
Things will soon be looking very different when catching a bus, train or tube in London – and not just because buskers will have card machines.
Related: This website will calculate your London underground delays for you and force TfL to pay up
Earlier this month, Sadiq Khan announced that he is proposing a ban on junk food adverts across the entire Transport for London network.
"[I want to] reduce the influence and pressure that can be put on children and families to make unhealthy choices," he explained.
Want up-to-the-minute entertainment news and features? Just hit 'Like' on our Digital Spy Facebook page and 'Follow' on our @digitalspy Twitter account and you're all set.
You Might Also Like
