Number of card payments in Ostrava public transport is skyrocketing even after two years
The attractiveness of public transport depends on the accessibility, safety, reliability and quality of the system; an important contribution in this regard is the simple and easy system of payment. Besides standard single-journey or time-valid tickets, all of Ostrava's public transport vehicles accept standard contactless bank cards. This makes it considerably easier for passengers to use the system, and it has boosted the number of users (including visitors to Ostrava).
Two years after the passengers were given the option to use their payment cards in the Ostrava public transport vehicles, the use of this service is still rising. Monthly sales total 300,000 of these tickets, while the interest in paper tickets continues to fall.
“This year, we have reached 75% of last year’s sales, and the strongest months of July and December are still ahead of us. Together with card payment increase, we also see a gradual decline in paper ticket sales”, says DPO Director Daniel Morys.
The Ostrava card payment system in public transport vehicles is quite unique and, above all, advantageous. Passengers buy individual tickets during the day according to their needs, and at the end of the day the system calculates the most advantageous fare. The maximum travel costs will never exceed CZK 80, which is the price of a 24-hour ticket.
From February this year, it is also possible to use your contactless card to purchase up to 4 other tickets for fellow travellers, your dog or luggage. For adults, a 45-minute transfer ticket costs CZK 20, while discounted fare of CZK 10 applies to children aged 6 to 15, a dog or baggage. An important new feature is also the possibility to register your card into the system in the on-line shop at karta.dpo.cz. The card will be validated within 24 hours, and passengers can then simply buy long-term pass plans of various duration and use them through the card.
Ostrava was only the second European city (after London) to introduce an electronic passenger payment system of this type, ranking it among Europe's top cities in using modern electronic systems. The passenger payment technology does not exist in isolation; it is part of the Smart City system.
Another tool for making public transport more attractive is the use of modern technologies to increase passenger comfort – such as the ongoing programme to provide wi-fi connections at public transport stops.