New cashless payment option on trial in Beijing rail transit

A new cashless payment option has been introduced for purchasing tickets at some stations along Beijing's rail transport network, making it easier for passengers to use subway trains in the capital.

A passenger buys a ticket by scanning a QR code on a ticket machine at a subway station in Beijing on August 10, 2019. [Photo: VCG]

Passengers can now buy tickets, recharge their metro cards and pay excess fares by scanning QR codes at ticket windows and machines at those pilot stations, reported the Beijing News.

The pilot service covers 55 subway stations, which include commercial centers such as Wangfujing and Xidan, and traffic hubs like the Beijing South Railway Station.

Passengers learn to buy subway tickets using a new cashless payment method at a subway station in Beijing on August 10, 2019. [Photo: VCG]

It's reported that it takes around 10 seconds to buy a ticket using the new cashless payment method.

Although passengers had already been able to take a subway train in Beijing by scanning their electric traffic cards or using Yitongxing App in their smartphones, the new method is especially convenient for tourists as they don't need to apply for an e-card or download the app.

The new payment option is expected to cover all rail transit lines in the city by the end of August.