Krakow has become the first Polish city offering instant purchase of public transport tickets using contactless technology. Special stickers featuring the most popular tickets encoded as NFC tags have been placed on buses and trams. To initiate a purchase, simply touch a phone with the SkyCash app to the sticker and then confirm the transaction with a PIN. This time-saving solution is also available to owners of non-NFC-enabled mobile phones by scanning one of the QR codes on the sticker. The project is a joint venture between the SkyCash mobile payment operator, Orange Polska, and the Krakow Municipal Infrastructure and Transport Authority.
Integration with contactless technology and QR codes has also significantly simplified the SkyCash app download process. If a passenger who isn't already a SkyCash user holds their phone up to the poster or scans the QR code, they'll receive a link to the program. Immediately after registration, you can also connect a payment card directly from your phone, allowing you to purchase tickets using your available balance without having to remember to top up your account regularly.
For the "NFC in Krakow Public Transport Tickets" project, Orange Polska was honored with the Transport Innovation Award and the title of Innovation Ambassador 2013. The award was presented during the gala of the XNUMXnd Transport Innovation Forum in Warsaw.
