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A person scans a QR code with their phone on a card reader inside a line 100 bus, which has air conditioning and is accessible for people with disabilities.
Bus, train, and subway tickets can be paid with QR. | Camara La Derecha Diario
ARGENTINA

Public Transportation With Qr: Since When and How to Pay the Ticket Without Using the Sube

QR payment arrives in public transportation as an alternative to the SUBE card.

by

Editorial Team

Starting from May 12, passengers will be able to pay for the ticket with QR codes caused from digital wallets. This method doesn't require an Internet connection at the time of payment and aims to speed up the validation process.

The initiative  Travel with QR (VQR) adds to the options already available: SUBE and payment with debit and credit in the subway.

A person holds a mobile phone displaying an electronic prescription with details such as the patient's name, issue and expiration date, and a QR code at the bottom.
Starting May 12, passengers will be able to pay for the ticket with QR codes | La Derecha Diario

How the new payment system will work

To use this method, passengers must:

  • Generate a QR code from their digital wallet.
  • Bring it close to the reader of the validator machine on the bus, train, or subway.
  • Wait for payment confirmation.

The system was designed to be faster than QR payments used in stores and will work even without an Internet connection.

Which digital wallets can be used?

The digital wallets registered in the financial system will be able to operate with this new payment method. Some of the main options would be:

  • Mercado Pago: already enabled for payments in the subway and with a high level of adoption.
  • Modo: the banks' wallet would also join the system.
  • Ualá: another option for those who operate with CVU.
Illustration of a hand holding a mobile phone showing a QR code and the Mercado Pago logo on a blue background.
Mercado Pago: now enabled for payments in the subway and with a high level of adoption. | La Derecha Diario

For now, payment with QR can only be made with funds from bank accounts (CBU) or virtual wallets (CVU). The use of debit or credit cards through this modality will not be available in the first stage.

Controversy over the implementation of QR in the subway

The bidding for the implementation of electronic payments in the Buenos Aires subway was awarded to Mercado Pago, which caused complaints from other digital wallets. Competing companies pointed out a possible unfair advantage in the regulation of the system.

A Buenos Aires subway train at a station heading to San Pedrito.
The electronic payments tender was awarded to Mercado Pago | La Derecha Diario

However, the Central Bank clarified that all wallets that meet the technical standards will be able to operate without restrictions.

Promotions to pay less in the subway

With the arrival of digital payment, the subway concessionaire, Emova, launched discounts to encourage the use of new payment methods.

The campaign "Pay less, choose the Subway" offers benefits with debit cards, credit cards, and mobile payments. The discounts range from 45% to 100% of the ticket price.

A person holds a mobile phone with a QR code displayed on the screen, while a large screen with a similar design is visible in the background.
Emova launched discounts to encourage the use of new payment methods. | La Derecha Diario

Expansion of the QR system to the rest of the transportation

The biggest challenge is the implementation in buses and trains, where more than 30,000 validators will need to be updated. The Government is moving forward with pilot tests to ensure interoperability.

➡️ Argentina

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