Payment by mobile phone introduced in all subway stations in Bucharest

Newsroom 02/04/2013 | 14:29

Starting this month, Bucharesters can pay by mobile phone for their subway rides in any station, according to a press release from Metrorex subway company.

“Starting with April, Bucharest joins the capitals of the world where you can use the mobile to pay for the rides and access to the subway,” according to the Metrorex press release.

By sending an SMS to the number 1700 in the Orange and Vodafone networks, Bucharest inhabitants can acquire one ride for EUR 0.5 (no VAT).

To acquire two rides (for EUR 0.9, no VAT) or ten rides (for EUR 3.25, no VAT) by sending an SMS to the same number with the content 2C (two rides) or 10C (10 rides).

After sending the message, clients should receive the confirmation via SMS.

The new system of access into the subway stations was tested last year, being considered reliable after it processed over 10,000 validations in over seven pilot stations. The service is based on the data-over-voice technology which ensures ensures the transfer of messages between the point of sale and the center for processing

From end-April 2012, Bucharesters could also pay by SMS for their bus and tram rides. The price of a one day subscription is RON 9.6 (approximately EUR 2).