Baku subway to upgrade payment devices
By Nigar Orujova
Baku Metro plans to complete upgrading its payment devices, spokesman of the company said.
Passengers of the Baku Metro often encounter problems when loading money on travel cards through payment machines, in this case, passengers may refer to the controller, Nasimi Pashayev said.
"There are cards whose problem is solved on the spot. If the problem is cannot be solved, passengers should go to the center of the cards' analysis at Station 28 May. If money is not loaded on the card, it will be restored to the card. So far, all appeals have been solved. This center is open from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m.," he said.
Pashayed added that if a citizen uploads money through the devise, but the operation is not successful, they will be able to pass through the gate, take the train, and apply to appropriate facilities in accordance with the check issued by the devise.
Negotiation is currently underway for a complete upgrade of payment devices in the Baku Metro.
Any passenger can return his card during the working hours of the subway, from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m., and receive the money that was on the card plus two manats ($2.5) for the card itself, he added.
Moreover, Pashayev said, Baku Metro is not planning to work round the clock.
It was also recently reported that an internal corporate mobile connection will be created in Baku Metro.
Baku Metro also plans to completely renovate its car fleet by replacing the current one. Once renovations are done, the old rails will also be modernized.
The subway system is developing rapidly in the Azerbaijani capital. With a length of thirty-five kilometers, Baku Metro has two lines and 23 stations.
It is planned to get enlarged to 119 km with five lines and up to 76 stations by 2030; eight stations and two train depots are currently under construction.
Furthermore, Transport Ministry plans to shift to the system of non-cash payment in Baku's public transports by March 2015. That means passengers will be able to use single travel cards throughout the transport.
Travel cards can be used in some 30 bus-routes at present, but will be also applicable for Baku Metro and taxi in the future.
Travel cards in Baku cost 3 manats ($3.8), two manats for security deposit and one manat ($1.2) for the card's balance. In the future, they will become full-fledged payment instruments.