The end of September saw the installation of the modern ticket vending machines in all Warsaw trams, which allowed Polish capital’s citizens to pay for their tickets by card or with their mobile phones. It is worth noting, however, that the possibilities of developing a “smart city” concept in the public transport sector seem to be endless for both towns and cities.

Possibility of paying by a card or with a mobile phone using HCE/NFC technology in every tram is a great convenience for the users of Warsaw public transport. What he or she also finds useful, is topping up the travel card using the vending machine. In line with the contract signed by the Mint of Poland and Warsaw Trams in November of 2018, at least 583 modern vending machines will be leased, and the next 178 devices may be installed in the new trams.

Increasing the number of conveniences available for public transport users is a desirable goal for the cities which aspire to provide their citizens with alternatives for car traffic. This can be achieved e.g. by propagating time-saving cashless transactions.

Poles own the biggest number of contactless cards in Europe and are also among the top proximity cards users. This shows the potential for the growth of this means of payment. What is particularly worth noting, however, is that the cities’ concern for the environment can translate into preferring transactions that eliminate the necessity of printing a ticket, says Jacek Sieński, Head of Electronic Payments Sales Department at the Mint of Poland.

In the Open Payment System, you can make a contactless payment directly on the vehicle. What’s more, instead of a paper ticket you will receive its digital version that will be stored in the central system. Thus, your bank card will also become the identifier of the transaction, which will prove useful in case the conductor decides to check your ticket.

This technology has been applied in Bydgoszcz as well as in Wrocław, where the system that has been implemented and developed for years. It is said to be state-of-the-art in Poland and among the most advanced ones in Europe. In both cities, the public transport users can pay by a contactless card in all vehicles.

Thanks to the Mint of Poland you can make a contactless payment during your ride in Jaworzno as well as on two lines in Łódź and on two pilot lines in Gdańsk.

Open Payment System is for both cities and towns. Smart solutions in the public transport system are now more affordable, as services that have entailed considerable costs regarding the purchase and installment of the vending machines have been withdrawn from the market, says Katarzyna Budnicka, Head of Electronic Payments Department at the Mint of Poland.