Metro system in Almaty adopts updated payment system
Almaty Metro to Introduce Contactless Payment System in Autumn 2025
Almaty, Kazakhstan's largest city, is set to modernize its payment system at metro stations, introducing contactless payment technology for bank cards and mobile devices. Starting from autumn 2025, passengers will be able to pay for metro rides directly at the turnstiles, making the passage faster and more convenient.
This upgrade brings several benefits:
- Improved Convenience and Speed: The new system is expected to reduce queues and transaction time at the entry gates, enhancing the overall passenger experience.
- Greater Accessibility: Users who do not possess traditional metro cards will find it easier to pay for their journeys.
- Integration with Common Payment Systems: Aligning with global standards of urban transit, the new system will allow passengers to use their bank cards and mobile payment devices, making payments seamless.
- Better Data Collection and Management: The new system potentially enables better data collection, which could aid in transit management and planning.
The press service of the city's akimat reported this modernization, which is part of broader transport and urban infrastructure modernization initiatives underway in Almaty and Kazakhstan. While specific project details about the Almaty metro payment system from autumn 2025 were not explicitly detailed, this direction follows the global trend of upgrading public transit payment methods to contactless systems for enhanced user experience and operational efficiency.
It's worth noting that the new system does not appear to have an impact on the operation of the metro, and all turnstiles at Almaty metro stations are planned to be equipped with the contactless payment system. The specific changes to the turnstiles for the contactless payment system have not been detailed, and it's unclear whether the modernization will affect the current need to buy tokens or top up transport cards.
Additionally, it's not specified whether the modernization will affect the prices of fares. The new system is expected to be especially beneficial for guests of the city and infrequent users who may find the current payment methods less convenient.
As the implementation date approaches, more detailed technical and operational specifics may be reported by Almaty metro authorities or local transport news. Stay tuned for updates on this exciting development in Almaty's public transit system.
[1] Source
- The contactless payment technology introducing in Almaty Metro will integrate with common payment systems, allowing passengers to use their bank cards and mobile devices for a seamless payment experience.
- The technological upgrade in Almaty Metro's payment system is anticipated to bring greater accessibility to users who do not possess traditional metro cards, making journeys more convenient.
