Cashless payment for public transport in Ukraine

In 2017, new legislative norms were adopted in Ukraine, indicating a transition to a non-cash form of payment for travel in municipal transport. Two years of implementation of the system showed active actions on the part of regional transport companies. Citizens were able to comfortably pay for travel using an electronic ticket, bank card or smartphone. Let's consider how things are going with the introduction of contactless payments in today's reality.

Reasons for entering non-cash payment for travel

Every day, the global economy strives to take cash out of everyday circulation. This helps to stabilize economic processes in countries. A non-cash payment method eliminates the growth of the shadow economy.

Already in our country, you can leave home with a bank card and solve any problem without cash. But this did not apply to transport, in which payment was made only for cash hryvnia.

In order to keep up with the advanced countries, Ukraine is introducing electronic payment methods in public transport. This payment method solves several long-standing problems:

• Reduces the bloated staff of transport companies;
  
• Allows you to take into account the daily passenger traffic;
• Fills the local budget, excluding the withdrawal of cash in the "shadow".

The desire for high standards of service to the population led to the adoption of legislation on non-cash payment of travel. The city authorities were able to implement such a settlement system. The only "but", the government did not give clear instructions on the payment standards. Therefore, in different cities you can find a difference in the methods of payment in transport.

Fare payment options in Ukraine

Many local councils are investing in hardware and software for contactless payment systems. Some of the city authorities are following the proven path, using the smartphones of the townspeople to pay. What solution can be called optimal and most suitable for a wide range of passengers?

See also: Automated fare collection system (ASOP)

Bank card

The easiest way for an ordinary Ukrainian citizen. People are used to paying with a card in stores. Therefore, the payment algorithm on the bus equipped with the GPSM Lucky-Pay validator will not hinder the passenger. Readers support cards of all banks. Contactless cards with magnetic tape or chip are suitable for the calculation. The advantage of this method: payment is clear and will not hinder most passengers.

Smartphone or smart watch

Already now, many Ukrainians forget about wallets with money. They use a smartphone or smartwatch for everyday payments. To transfer the tool, it is enough to attach the mobile device to the tag on the validator. Advantage: watch on hand, smartphone in pocket. There is no need to look for a card in your wallet. Payment takes place in a few seconds.

QR code

This type is common among PrivatBank clients. To do this, the Privat24 application is installed on the smartphone. Having found a poster with a code in the transport, you need to turn on the application, scan the code. In the "Ticket" tab, select the type of payment, bank card, and make the payment. Advantage: simple and affordable payment method, plus you can show proof to the controller.

SMS payment

In some regional centers, for example Lviv, Vinnitsa, Zhitomir, you can use a mobile account to pay for travel. An SMS code, route details and ticket type (full or reduced) are sent from a mobile phone. Funds are withdrawn from the mobile account, after which a corresponding notification is received. You can buy a day pass, or a trip with a transfer, indicating the travel time. Advantage: any mobile device connected to the GSM operator is suitable for payment.

Unified transport card (e-ticket)

The system is spreading in different cities. With the card, you can pay for all types of public transport: tram, trolleybus, metro, bus. Some city authorities have included funiculars and electric trains on the list. The card is bought for every citizen and replenished through banking. The system provides discounts to passengers who often use transport. Payment is made in the same way as with a bank card. Advantage: one payment method for all types of transport.

Single ticket

You can buy it in a special terminal, sometimes at the checkout. This method is most common for subway travel. It is ideal for city guests who cannot use the Citizen Card. This type of settlement is considered temporary, or to solve the problem of payment in a certain direction. Advantage: Easiest way for a one-time trip with public transport.

The first result of using cashless payments

Two years of experience with this type of calculation for public transport has shown a noticeable increase in the number of transactions. In the first year of application, the amount of non-cash fare has tripled. At the end of two years of using several options, the increase in transactions has reached a 6-fold multiplication. Among the leaders in this area are Lviv and Vinnitsa. But in general, most of the regional centers of Ukraine showed positive dynamics in the spread of electronic fare payment methods.

How about private carriers?

Of course, public utilities are switching to an electronic payment system at the expense of budget funds. But in the case of minibuses and private buses, the situation is more complicated. Not all private carriers want to switch to a single payment system.

There is an explanation for this: The use of such payment methods to bring the company's turnover out of the "shadow". The carrier will have to report to the tax office for each passenger. Therefore, cash in private minibuses will still be used. It remains to be believed that private companies will eventually switch to an electronic method of calculation, and the tax authorities will help them in this process.

Conclusion

As a result, we can say that two years of introduction of non-cash travel fare in Ukraine were not in vain. Large cities have switched to a single payment system. I would like to believe that in a couple of years this system will fully enter the daily life of Ukrainians, creating a high level of comfort when driving by public transport.

Do you use cashless payments? If so, which option is the most convenient? Have you had any problems with the fare? We are waiting for your answers in the comments!