Revolutionizing Train Travel: Testing of New Location-Based Ticketing Technology Commences in Kazan

A pioneering technology for payment of railway fares has recently commenced its testing phase on suburban trains in Kazan, the capital of Tatarstan. This innovative initiative, introduced by Russian Railways, aims to revolutionize the method by which passengers pay for their train tickets.

The experiment, taking place on the railway line connecting Kazan’s central railway station and the Gabdulla Tukay international airport, involves a focus group comprised of volunteers. These individuals will have the opportunity to participate in a pilot project, testing the implementation of a unique fare payment system specifically designed for railway transport.

Over the next month, this new mechanism will undergo rigorous testing and evaluation. This pioneering initiative follows the agreement signed during Kazan Digital Week 2023, where key industry stakeholders, including Russian Railways — Digital Passenger Solutions, Sodruzhestvo JSC, Digital Transport and Logistics Association, and Datapax, unified their efforts to launch a smart payment system in suburban trains.

This innovative system aims to replace traditional paper tickets with digital ones, effectively streamlining the entire ticketing process. By seamlessly integrating location data, passengers will be able to conveniently store their digital tickets on their smartphones and use them to pay for their fare.

Yevgeny Charkin, Vice Director General of Russian Railways, provided insight into the transformative potential of this new technology, stating that it will enable passengers to pay their fares without the need for bank cards or queuing at ticket counters. With a simple scan at the turnstile, passengers can effortlessly confirm the start of their journey and make their way onto the train, while the app and the location-based fare payment algorithm take care of the rest.

Furthermore, the implementation of this cutting-edge system is poised to yield substantial cost savings for transport companies, marking a significant step forward in the modernization of railway transportation. Looking ahead, there are also plans to extend this technology to the public transport system in Kazan, offering commuters a more efficient and convenient means of paying for their travel.

As the testing of this new location-based ticketing technology gets underway in Kazan, it holds great promise for the future of railway and public transportation systems. With its potential to enhance the overall passenger experience and drive operational efficiencies, this initiative represents a significant leap forward in the ongoing digital transformation of the transportation industry.