Moscow Metro, VTB, Google and Mastercard, Collaborate to Launch Virtual “Troika” Card

The Moscow Metro, VTB Bank, Google and Mastercard have started the final stage of testing the virtual “Troika” card to pay for public transport in Moscow.

Project participants will be able to test a unique technology for using travel tickets purchased and recorded on a virtual “Troika”, using a special version of the Moscow Metro mobile application, with VTB Bank automatically issuing and uploading the card to the mobile device wallet. The process of paying for travel is similar to the payment mechanism by card, as simple as presenting a smartphone with the screen turned on to a turnstile or validator installed in Moscow public transport that is able to accept bank cards. At the same time, customers do not need to unlock their phones by entering passwords, reading a fingerprint or scanning a face – the ticket is calculated from the smartphone automatically. Customers only have to select Google Play as the main type of payment in their phone.

The owners of mobile devices with the Android operating system installed and the Google Pay app downloaded will be the first to evaluate the advantages of the new product. During the testing, passengers will be able to purchase a Single ticket with a 30-day travel limit. The purchase of the card is available in a special version of the Moscow Metro mobile application for testing. Customers can use the virtual “Troika” in the metro, buses, trams, electric buses, Moscow Central Diameters train services and the Moscow Central Circle rail line.

The launch of large-scale testing is aimed at evaluating the functionality from the point of view of passengers, as first of all the project is created for the convenience of travellers using the transport of Moscow and the Moscow Region and meeting the needs of users. The virtual “Troika” is a transport card, the issue and use of which are carried out using a smartphone without the use of a plastic carrier.

Maxim Liksutov, Deputy Mayor of Moscow, head of the City Department of Transport and Road Infrastructure Development, commented “More and more people do not carry plastic cards with them, so we decided to launch a virtual “Troika” using smartphones. I invite everyone who wants to test a new opportunity and become the very first owners of virtual “Troikas” in Moscow. We are looking to the future and are expecting modern Muscovites who love technology and Moscow transport. “

Vadim Izotov, Head of the Department for the development and maintenance of special electronic products of the Transactional Business Department, Senior Vice President of VTB Bank said “The convenience of travel for a passenger is one of the main indicators of comfort in public transport. This is what we were guided by when introducing this innovative payment service. By launching the “Troika” virtual card for testing, Moscow has once again demonstrated its leadership in the development of fare payment systems among other world capitals, and we are pleased that this innovative solution was created jointly with VTB Bank. We are creating the future right now together with customers! Join the testing and appreciate the convenience of the new payment instrument,” commented”.

Alexey Malinovsky, head of Mastercard in Russia, said “Mastercard is pleased to continue its cooperation with VTB Bank and the Moscow Metro and to develop the transport system of the capital. Together, we are implementing innovations for fast, safe and convenient fare payments, responding to the requests of a wide variety of passenger segments – both those who prefer to pay with bank cards, and those who buy travel cards. One of the modern trends is the use of smartphones to pay for everyday purchases, and soon it will be possible to also get a “Troika” card in a digital format and pay for travel with it in one touch with a smartphone – so the ticket will always be at hand.”