Ashgabat: public transport transferred to electronic payment system
An electronic payment system for public transport is being implemented in the Turkmen capital. Electronic cards will be sold in three types - general, for schoolchildren and for pensioners. General contactless cards operate on the principle of an electronic wallet, from which cash is automatically withdrawn when interacting with a reader (validator) installed on all metropolitan buses. At the same time, the cost of travel remains the same - 30 tenge. Electronic cards for schoolchildren and pensioners act differently - they are replenished once a month for the sum of 1 and 2 manats, respectively. This operation allows them to freely use public transport within 30 days from the date of payment, after which the same card can be replenished at post offices, branches of the Senagat Bank, as well as at automatic self-service terminals located in public places. The way of payment for travel on the new technology is as easy as possible. When entering the front door of the bus, passengers should bring the electronic card to the validator. Having blinked with green light, the device will instantly report on the successful operation, also showing information about the amount of money from the cardholder on the screen. The exit will be through the rear door of the vehicle. It is also possible for passengers to make several trips on credit. After replenishment of the card, the debt is repaid automatically. The introduction of this electronic system provides for constant monitoring by satellite navigation, which tracks bus routes, records and processes all information that will be used later to optimize the flight schedule. In addition, practical steps are being taken to introduce new types of bank cards that operate on the principle of contactless payment, so that it will be possible to pay for the fare directly from the owner's main account.
