Fare payment through debit cards to be available
By Amina Nazarli
Azerbaijan may switch to payment of travel fee in public transport via debit cards, which is already applied in a number of countries.
Head of the “BakiKart” project Jeyhun Aliyev said the work is underway on use of debit cards while paying travel fee in public transport.
He noted that the cards will be available both for metro and buses. “It’s early to speak about the date of realization of the project. Once the system is fully operational, we will provide the necessary information to the public,” Aliyev added.
Single payment transport card “BakiKart” has been successfully applied in metro and buses since last August.
“Some 133 “BakiKart” service terminals have been installed at subway stations. The number of terminals is sufficient. No big crowds of passengers observed in front of the terminals. Compared to previous years, the number of terminals at the subway stations is more by 50 percent,” he underlined.
He further added that a total of 62 devices have been installed in bus stops.
“We analyzed BakuBus routes and installed these devices at those stations where there is a need. In case new bus routes opened, additional terminals can be installed,” he said adding that 54 newsagents also sell and load "BakıKart” cars.
Metro is one of the fastest ways to travel in Baku, and also the most inexpensive. The fare for a subway is 20 kopecks ($0.12). Baku Metro, with a length of thirty-five kilometers, has 2 lines and 23 stations. It is planned to enlarge it to 119 km with 5 lines and up to 76 stations by 2030.
Passengers can purchase two types of travel card , inclduing "BakıKart" and "BakıKart Mehdud". If the first card is designed for permanent use, then the second is for the citizens and guests who rarely use public transport.
Cost of “BakiKart” is 2 manats ($1.2), while "BakıKart Mehdud", which can be used only four times, is 20 kopecks.
The card system allows to produce the most accurate number of
passengers and improve the quality of service as well as to
simplify the control of travel payment.
The use of debit card in public transport will also have a positive
effect, according to experts.
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Amina Nazarli is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on
Twitter: @amina_nazarli
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