Using QR codes, Busan expands payment options for city buses
Starting Monday, foreign tourists visiting Busan will be able to pay for city bus fares without needing to purchase a local transportation card or exchange cash.
Busan Metropolitan City said Tuesday that it will introduce ZeroPay QR payments on city buses starting Sept. 21. Supported payment services include mobile payment apps widely used across Asia such as Alipay, WeChat Pay, UnionPay, PXPay Plus and PayPay.
Under the system, passengers can scan a ZeroPay QR code displayed inside the bus using one of the supported payment apps. The service is operated by the Korea Easy Payment Foundation, which connects the domestic ZeroPay network with overseas payment platforms.
A flat fare of 1,700 won ($1.26) per passenger will apply regardless of age. Transfer discounts will not be available.
The new payment option comes as Busan expects the number of foreign tourists visiting the city to exceed 4 million this year. Visitors from China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and the Philippines are projected to account for more than 60 percent of the total.
The city said foreign visitors have repeatedly called for public transportation to accept mobile payment services commonly used in their home countries, particularly Alipay and WeChat Pay.
QR codes and multilingual instructions will be placed on all city buses. Busan will also promote the payment option at bus stops near major tourist attractions and at tourist information centers.
“The introduction of ZeroPay mobile payments will allow foreign tourists to use Busan city buses more conveniently without the hassle of purchasing transportation cards or exchanging currency,” Busan Mayor Jeon Jae-soo said.
shwang9@heraldcorp.com
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