In St. Petersburg, passengers for the first time have the opportunity to pay for tram rides with digital rubles. The new payment method was launched in test mode on Gorelektrotrans route No. 24. Payment is available in all cars on this route, and a smartphone with access to a digital wallet is required to complete the operation.
The process resembles the familiar QR code payment. The passenger needs to point their smartphone camera or banking application at the code located on the validator or screen in the cabin. Then select digital rubles as the payment method and confirm the operation. After successful debiting of funds, the system will issue an electronic receipt.
For now, the technology only works on one route. St. Petersburg authorities want to check how convenient it is for passengers to use the new payment method, how quickly transactions are processed, and whether such an option will be in demand for daily commutes. The timing of the system's expansion to other routes has not yet been announced.
The city administration notes that the experiment has become part of the digitalization of public transport. St. Petersburg already uses trams with augmented reality screens, allowing passengers to track movement and get acquainted with city attractions. Now, a new form of national currency has been added to these technologies.
The digital ruble exists alongside cash and regular cashless money. Funds are stored on the Central Bank platform, and access to them is provided through the applications of connected banks. The use of a digital wallet is voluntary for citizens.