The Faster Payments System testing is launched at the Moscow Metro turnstiles

The Moscow Metro will test the Faster Payment System (FPS)at the beginning of October this year.

The Russian technology is operating in pilot mode at the ticket offices of the Big Circle Line (BCL) stations and in the Russia Parking application. When the service will be fully launched, it will be very easy to pay fare – passenger just need to put smartphone to the QR-code reader on the turnstile.

In the first half of 2023, the FPS will become available in metro ticket offices. By the middle of 2023, it is planned to introduce the FPS on the surface transport. The way it will work is as follows: passenger approaches a validator, where the QR code that needs to be scanned with a smartphone camera is displayed. The transaction, once confirmed, will go through automatically in a couple of seconds. In addition, in the first half of 2023, top-up of the Troika card and social cards will be added to the Transport Complex's mobile apps via the FPS.

«We are introducing more and more convenient payment methods into the urban transport. The Faster Payments System in the Russia Parking app and at the BCL cash registers has already been used almost 600,000 times. In October, we will start testing it on metro turnstiles. First, the pilot project will pass with the employees, later we will invite passengers. During the testing, we will evaluate the speed of the service and only then it will be launched fully. It is important that the payment system works flawlessly and that passengers can pay with their smartphone again and do not waste time at the turnstiles. We expect that up to 700,000 people a day can start using the FPS in the next few years», – noted Maksim Liksutov, the Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Transport.

The FPS is a Russian technology owned by the Bank of Russia. This means that the entire payment process takes place within Russia, which means that there is no way to influence the service from abroad. The introduction of the FPS will enable the Moscow Transport passengers to return to the familiar and convenient paying option by smartphone. A bankcard will not be required. Digital tickets are much more cost-efficient and eco-friendly than paper tickets.