Almaty Metro implements touchless payment method.
Autumn 2025: Tap and Go for a Smooth Journey in Almaty
Brace yourself for a hassle-free commute! Beginning autumn 2025, Almaty public transport is set to embrace the future with a tap-and-go payment system. Say goodbye to waiting in line for tokens or hunting down cashiers—your bank card or smartphone with Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay is all you'll need!
Previously, only specific turnstiles allowed for bank card payments, but with the upcoming infrastructure update, all stations will be equipped with contactless payment readers, streamlining your passage and making trips more enjoyable.
Image: Almaty Akimat
This transition to cutting-edge technology is bound to please those who eschew transport cards or just don't fancy the token queues. No windblown change, no waiting in line; a card or smartphone does the trick!
The aim of this modernization drive is to elevate the standard of urban public transport and cater to the comfort of both Almaty residents and city guests alike.
Though the precise rollout timeline for these major payment services remains unclear, it's promising to note that Almaty already incorporates contactless bank cards or tokens for public transportation, indicative of an in-place infrastructure for contactless payments[2]. This expansion could be part of a wider digital payment trend in Kazakhstan, but more details on the timeline are pending in the existing facts.
As Almaty public transport modernizes, the tap-and-go payment system, which allows for use of bank cards or smartphones with Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay, will be available at all stations, making commuting more convenient and enjoyable for residents and guests.
This widespread adoption of contactless technology is an effort to enhance the experience of using urban public transport and cater to the comfort of city visitors, while reducing the need for bulky transport cards or cash transactions.
