Azerbaijan.US
Cashless payments via NFC technology have been fully activated across all bus routes operated by BakuBus LLC in Baku, allowing passengers to pay fares using local bank cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.
According to the Azerbaijan Land Transport Agency (AYNA) under the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport, the system went live today and is now available on every BakuBus vehicle operating in the capital.
One of the key features introduced under the new system is an expansion of consecutive payment options. At the initial stage of the NFC project, passengers can now make up to two consecutive payments, an increase from the previous limit of one. Based on the results of this pilot phase, authorities plan to further increase the number of consecutive transactions in the future.
AYNA notes that the system offers added convenience for passengers, eliminating the need to carry cash or a physical BakıKart. Payments can now be made within seconds using a smartphone, smartwatch, bank card, or any NFC-enabled device by simply holding it near the validator, which instantly recognizes and processes the transaction.
When paying on board, passengers are required to use NFC-enabled local bank cards, smartphones, or physical cards that support the technology.
The pilot phase of the project was launched on December 20 on Route No. 500. Authorities plan to gradually expand NFC payment technology to bus routes operated by other transport providers as part of a broader rollout.
