Metrorex announced today that, in partnership with BCR, it is introducing contactless payment on the metro, so Bucharest residents will be able to pay for their journeys both with a contactless bank card and with mobile phones. After years and years of seeing these payment systems implemented in other countries, now in Bucharest there will be the possibility to pay for trips with a contactless card or the phone, all in just a few seconds.
Metrorex announced that initially only the Tineretului metro station will have this contactless payment system implemented, but it is more than certain that it will be extended to other metro stations in the future. In 2016, Metrorex signed a contract with BCR to implement card payment in the metro, but it was only at the end of 2019 that the technology was implemented, but at least now we can do this including with mobile phones.
Metro trips can be paid by phone in Bucharest
Starting from Thursday, November 14, those who travel by metro will be able to test the new system in the Tineretului station, so if you have a way there, you can test what Metrorex and BCR thought for everyone. Considering that any phone or smartwatch can make contactless payments at a POS that supports this, anyone will be able to pay for the subway trip without problems at the station, so you don't need to have money with you.
"The introduction of contactless cards (cards similar to those from STB) will be possible with the completion of all stages of the project to modernize the charging system. Another important factor to mention in this stage is the alignment with the legislative provisions regarding the introduction of cash registers with electronic journals. Also, BCR is waiting for the VISA agreement in the next period."
Apple Pay, ING Pay, or any other mobile payment system from any bank in Romania can be used, considering that there are no restrictions for them when it comes to payments at POS. The idea of those from Metrorex should be extended as soon as possible to all metro stations, and this is because a lot of contactless cards are currently active in Romania, so a lot of people could take advantage of the system.
Paying for the subway trip using a phone will not bring any additional cost to the traveler, so you have nothing to worry about from this point of view.
