Questions about the service "Mobile ticket. Overview of the mobile ticket service of MTS

The service of paying for passage in the metro from a mobile account was launched in St. Petersburg on May 18. It works well, but whether it will take root in its current form is a moot point. In any case, the service itself is very popular and useful from all points of view.

Reducing the amount of cash in circulation is very much within the framework of state policy. It is clear that not for the convenience of the population, but primarily to facilitate control over the movement of money. But in many cases, the notorious "population" is also not for nothing. A textbook example is the replenishment of an account through a terminal with its cannibalistic interest after this money was withdrawn from a salary card a day earlier.

The so-called micropayments, which include public transport fares, are perfectly implemented using NFC (Near Field Communications) technology and through the “mediation” of mobile operators. Cellular billings are well suited for processing a large number of small transactions in real time, for them this is a normal mode, not an extreme load. Unlike billing, metro ticket sales outlets cope with peak loads much worse. Therefore, any additional virtual sales channel is warmly welcomed.

The phone for most of us is always at hand and easily accessible by definition, otherwise how to answer the call? The balance of the personal account is also replenished without problems anywhere and anytime. All these are obvious advantages of using the phone as a travel document. Unfortunately, there are also disadvantages, and it is difficult to call the proposed solution ideal.

"Science and Technology"

Several quotes from the description of how payment for travel in the St. Petersburg metro was implemented in Beeline. Then we will discuss the details of the project and specific pluses and minuses.

“...Beeline, together with the Committee for Transport of the Government of St. Petersburg, the RURU payment system and Ambik Tek SPb LLC, announce the launch of a joint project to pay for travel using a mobile phone using NFC technology - the Mobile Travel Card service.

NFC (Near Field Communication) is a wireless high-frequency communication technology that allows secure data exchange between devices located at a distance of about 10 centimeters.

Passengers just need to install a special NFC module under the cover of their mobile phone. Having done this simple operation once, the phone acquires the functions of a payment device and a travel ticket, the subscriber can start using the mobile phone like a regular travel ticket. The cost of the NFC module is 125 rubles - at the same time, 5 trips of 25 rubles each will be loaded on the module itself, the subscription fee and the fee for connecting the Mobile Pass service are not charged.

When installing the NFC module, the SIM-menu "Travel Card" is automatically installed on the mobile phone, which allows you to buy the required number of trips through the phone menu, as well as check the number of previously purchased tickets and their expiration date. The cost of trips is debited from the phone balance in real time. Further, in order to use the trip, it is enough to put a mobile phone to the reader on the turnstile. In the process of implementing the "Mobile Pass" service, the existing infrastructure and a limited number of phone models will be used. The client will be able to order a ticket without contacting the city ticket offices from the balance of the phone through a special mobile application. The service is available to subscribers - individuals with tariff plans of prepaid and postpaid settlement systems.

The service was developed taking into account the existing experience of passengers in purchasing tickets through vending machines for the sale and replenishment of travel tickets.<...>You can find more information about the service on the website.

The project was implemented as part of a strategic partnership between VimpelCom and the Transport Committee of St. Petersburg, RURU and Ambik Tech Spb. It is assumed that in the future, on the basis of this solution, it will be possible to "build" an almost unlimited number of new services. Of the obvious "begs" - the binding of bank cards and discount cards, of which there are a great many. Maria Azarova, CEO of Ambik Tech Spb, talks about the possibility of uploading student ID cards and pension certificates to the module, but this is already in the long term.

The project has existed as a technical pilot since the middle of last year, and has now been put into commercial operation. The predicted number of users is about 2000 people. By October 2012, it is planned to collect statistics and evaluate the performance of the system, after which it is possible to make the necessary changes to the settings.

Design

The task was to make the system universal and at the same time do without replacing SIM-cards with special ones. Probably, there is a certain sense in this, but users of many modern “advanced” smartphones have been deprived of the new service. It is sad. You can see the full list of supported phones, but even without a list, the limitations are clear.

The module involves placing the antenna between the battery and the battery cover, the second part of the module is placed between the SIM card and the contacts of the phone board. Accordingly, “in flight” models of phones and smartphones:

• With non-removable batteries (such as iPhone)
• With batteries, part of the body of which is also the back cover of the phone (the battery is part of the body)
• With SIM cards inserted from the side (for example, Nokia 5800)
• With metal battery covers or all-metal housings (metal shields)

They say that 80% of phones and smartphones do not interfere with the correct placement and operation of the module, but the list contains a lot of phone models of completely “shaggy” years. Which, of course, contributed to those very 80% compatibility by models. I suspect that counting devices actually registered on the network (there are such statistics), taking into account the percentage of different devices, would give slightly different compatibility statistics.

The built-in NFC modules of some modern phone models cannot be used. Perhaps sometime in the future, when they switch to solutions using special SIM cards.

Practice

The cost of the kit is 125 rubles, while five trips by metro at the price of 25 rubles are already “hardwired” into the module. each. That is, Beeline does not charge anything for the module itself and does not charge commissions for “issuing” virtual travel tickets. Will the price of the starter kit depend on the fare, which tends to grow quarterly? I think it should, but I don't know for sure.

You can purchase the module at Beeline offices or at one of the five dealerships, a list of addresses is on the website. It is quite possible to install the module on your own, but it is better for girls with highly artistic manicure not to experiment. Fortunately, they promise to install this exotic device upon purchase. Of course, the module is contraindicated for those who like to rearrange SIM-cards every day, there is a lot of unnecessary trouble, and the daily tormented loop is unlikely to last long.

Passing through the turnstiles does not cause any problems, a short touch of the back cover of the phone to the validator is enough for reliable operation. It is valuable that the "electronic tickets" already loaded into the module work regardless of the state of the phone's battery. Actually, the phone itself can be turned off, the module is recognized by the turnstile as a regular ticket.

With the "purchase" of tickets, everything is much more interesting. After installing the module, a menu appears in the phone (STK - Sim Tool Kit), through which you can purchase tickets. The cost of the "travel card" for the selected number of trips is debited from the phone account in real time.

For greater convenience and greater clarity, it is recommended to install a small Java application with similar functionality, but with a convenient graphical interface. Through it, you can also check the number of remaining trips. It is not possible to buy tickets between 00:00 - 05:45, checking the balance of trips is not available between 02:00 - 05:30.

You can top up the module in the usual way (like a travel card) for cash. To do this, place the phone in the receiving socket of the unit, preferably closer to the left wall. Unfortunately, this option is not available to owners of Beeline branded tablets due to the lack of a sledgehammer in the kit.

Buying tickets through a java application is the most pleasant way, everything is good and clear. But the application loads insanely slowly, up to several minutes. Apparently, the delays are related to the need to exchange information with the database. By the way, although the traffic is insignificant, but thanks to the cunning operator rounding off, each act of buying a ticket (tickets) will cost a certain amount. Within the limits of the ruble (depending on the tariff plan) or even free of charge when connecting the unlimited option.

Summary

As a “run-in” of a promising technology, the project looks very promising. From the point of view of the end user, the benefits are not so obvious, but they are there. The main thing is saving precious morning minutes, which are much more pleasant to spend at home with a cup of coffee than standing in line in the metro station lobby. Plus, there is no need to get money from a wallet, a wallet from a pocket, etc. A single “virtual wallet” in the form of a personal phone account is convenient and practical, no doubt.

A significant disadvantage is the presence of an intermediate link in the form of the need for a “virtual purchase” of tickets. In this sense, a bank card with a metro-chip is radically more convenient: you don’t have to worry about anything at all. The bank credits all movements of the cardholder and at the beginning of the next month will write off the total amount from the balance with a discount determined by the number of trips. I don't know how common this practice is in St. Petersburg.

If the system worked in the mode of automatic debiting of money from the balance of the phone with each passage of the turnstile, then I would vote “yes” with my hands, feet and wallet. categorically and with ardent enthusiasm. The current implementation is also not bad, but I'm not sure about the upcoming national recognition.

I wonder under what conditions the operators would agree to take on some of the risks and hassles of micro-lending to their subscribers? Many ingeniously built schemes and restrictions could turn out to be superfluous if there is a certain good will of the operators, appropriate adjustments in the legislation and the willingness of subscribers to “freeze” a certain irreducible balance on the balance sheet. But this is a completely different topic.

Sergey Potresov ()

The world does not stand still and now even in the subway you can pay for travel using a smartphone that is always at your fingertips. Beeline presents a novelty in the modern world - the Mobile Ticket option. From now on, you can pay for travel in any public transport with a Beeline mobile ticket in Moscow, leaning a cell phone against the turnstile instead of a regular ticket.

What is a Beeline mobile ticket?

Travel by metro and ground transport will be 35 rubles per trip. The fare will be deducted from the balance of your mobile phone. The prices correspond to the cost of the "Electronic Wallet" ticket of the "Troika" card.

You can use this convenient option if your smartphone supports the special NFC option, which allows you to pay in the most convenient way.

The Beeline mobile ticket on the iPhone does not function, since the NFC system in iPhone smartphones does not allow the use of the Mobile Ticket option as a payment for travel in Moscow transport.

Connecting the "Mobile ticket" option

You can connect this option by contacting the nearest Beeline office.

1. It is necessary to change the current SIM card for a new one, in which the Mobile Ticket service is successfully functioning.
2. Then activate it and connect using the SIM card menu in the settings of your cell phone.

After activation, a payment in the amount of 150 rubles will be debited from your phone number towards the payment of travel by public transport. With the help of the "Mobile payment" option, replenishment of the balance of services will be automatically connected.

Managing the "Mobile Ticket" option

You can top up your Beeline mobile ticket by sending an SMS command with the text “Payment” and the desired amount of money to top up to the short number 3210. If you want to check the balance of the “Mobile ticket”, you must send the “Balance”.

Now it is convenient and easy to pay for the subway from Beeline phone. With a Beeline mobile ticket, you can now not be afraid to leave your wallet or card at home. This convenient option relieves you of unnecessary worries and saves valuable time, as it saves you from long queues in which you constantly have to stand for a ticket. From now on, a ticket for any type of Moscow public transport is always with you and lies in your pocket.

Thanks to the convenient “Mobile ticket” service, an ordinary cell phone will become your travel card. Beeline mobile ticket will help make your life more comfortable.

If you have any questions on the topic "Mobile ticket from Beeline", then ask them in the comments to this article. We will answer all your questions!

It would seem that quite recently we have begun to more or less get used to the ability to pay for purchases with a bank card, just by touching the terminal, using PayPass technology, as we are presented with a new service - paying for public transport using your mobile phone.

All this can be achieved with the innovative NFC (Near field communication) technology - the technology of "near field communication", high-frequency wireless communication for exchanging data between devices at a distance of several centimeters. To pay, it will be enough just to bring the phone from the terminal, and the money will be automatically debited from your account.

Now, using this technology in Moscow, you can only pay for travel on public transport in the capital. The innovative service "Troika Mobile Ticket" is provided by the MTS telecom operator. It allows you to pay for travel on buses, trams, trolleybuses, the Moscow Metro and Aeroexpress trains directly from your smartphone or a simple mobile phone.

The name of the new service makes it clear that it resembles the ability to pay for trips with a Troika card. The only difference is that now you don’t have to constantly replenish her account. When you bring a phone with a SIM card from MTS, the money for the trip (according to the tariffs of the Troika card) will be debited from your mobile account.

You can connect to the service in all mobile operator's mobile shops in Moscow, where your regular SIM card will be replaced for free with an NFC SIM card with the Troika Mobile Ticket card written on it as an application. However, the phone number does not change.

The advantage of the new service is not even that you can pay for travel by phone. The main convenience of the Troika Mobile Ticket for the user is that the ticket balance is always automatically replenished from the mobile phone account or manually to the required amount using an SMS command. Such a solution insures the passenger against the situation of a shortage of funds on the transport card, relieves him of the need to stand in line at the box office or purchase one-time travel cards from the driver for cash.

There is a positive moment for carriers. This technology will help reduce queues at public transport ticket offices and save money on cash turnover and ticket issuance.

But there are also disadvantages. The fact is that not all modern phones support the latest technology. So, for example, the most popular iPhone models in Russia so far, 4 and 5, will not be able to pay for travel in the subway. The function is available only for iPhone 6 owners. In total, there are more than 60 phone models on our market that support the innovation. This is the entire Galaxy line from Samsung, Lumia from Nokia, and even Russian YotaPhone smartphones.

However, if you do not own a smartphone that supports NFC technology, you should not immediately get upset. It is possible to connect a flexible NFC antenna to most smartphones and phones, which can be purchased at MTS stores for only 10 rubles when replacing a SIM card.

There was a lot of talk on this topic, even more brakes, but the breakthrough has finally come true: the Troika universal transport card can now be right in your smartphone.

​From September 4 MTS, MegaFon and Beeline, together with the Moscow Metro and the Department of Transport, have launched the Mobile Ticket service.

To feel these fruits of civilization you will need:

1. Smartphone with NFC
2. Special SIM card.

More:

1. The NFC module uses short-range wireless high-frequency communication technology that facilitates the exchange of information between devices (see Wikipedia). An example of using NFC for payment: an NFC smartphone as a bank card. Not all smartphones support NFC, but many, especially mid-range and high-end ones. By the way, in the iPhone, the NFC module for Russia is programmatically blocked, the company offers to purchase a special unblocking antenna (very funny).
2. You need to get a SIM card with a special chip for NFC support in the salon of your telecom operator (now - MTS, MegaFon, Beeline). Replacing yours with a new one is free. The main thing is that one is available, and the salon employee understands you, which happens far from often. Moreover, in theory, he should explain to you her work, including all the numbers. This SIM card works in the same way as Troika.

By inserting a new SIM card into your smartphone and remembering to enable NFC in it, you can then simply touch the phone to the subway turnstile. In this case, the fare will be read, and you, as usual, will be allowed inside the subway. You don't need to install any apps for this.

Funds are debited from the balance of the passenger's mobile phone in the same way as the rates of the Troika card or from the account of a plastic card linked to it.

If the balance of your Troika ticket drops from 150 to 90 rubles, it will be automatically replenished to the original amount. Auto payment can also be disabled by switching to manual payment via SMS (by sending a message to the short number 3210, there is no commission).

The disadvantage of the current implementation of Troika is that travel cards cannot be registered on it yet. This feature will appear in the future. At the moment, you can pay by phone only for a "single trip" - for 30 rubles. By the way, by purchasing a simple card for 60 trips at the Metropolitan box office, you can reduce the price of a trip to 23 rubles.

If your smartphone is completely discharged, you can still use it to pay for one trip. If your phone with a pass was stolen, the ticket (unlike the usual Troika) can be blocked along with the SIM card, and then you can get it again and absolutely free of charge at the operator’s office along with the usual phone number.

"Mobile ticket" in another application

"Troika" - both in its usual form and in your smartphone - works not only in the subway. You can also use it to pay on Aeroexpress or to enter the Moscow Zoo. True, by the way, for those who wish to visit this interesting institution: now a ticket to the zoo of the capital costs 400 rubles. on weekdays and 500 on weekends. Free for students and children. Relax and don't deny yourself anything!

"Mobile ticket" in Russia

The Mobile Ticket service, new to Moscow, has been operating in some other cities of Russia for a long time. In Kazan - since 2013, in St. Petersburg - since 2014.

Dear first users of "Mobile Ticket" in the Moscow Metro! We kindly ask you to write about your impressions of the service in the comments below or on our forum.

Yesterday I saw such an information desk in the subway. This is an information desk advertising a new option to pay for travel in the Moscow metro using NFC. metro station "Aviamotornaya"

No one pays attention to the bar. A few more photos next.

Well, this is so, to understand the environment

Mobile NFC-solution for the Moscow metro and surface urban transport earned for Big Three subscribers

Since September 4, MegaFon, Beeline and MTS subscribers have been able to pay for travel in the Moscow metro using a mobile phone.
The "Mobile Ticket" solution was developed jointly by the metro, the Department of Transport of the City of Moscow and the three leading mobile operators in the country.

The solution is built in the ideology and format of SIM-centric. On the example of MegaFon subscribers, the following scheme is offered to users (absolutely the same for all operators).

The subscriber must have a mobile device with NFC functionality, in which it is necessary to install a special UICC SIM card, on which the Troika transport application has been pre-recorded. A SIM-card is issued free of charge from MegaFon Retail stores. After installing the SIM card in the device, the subscriber receives an SMS with a request for consent to connect the Mobile Ticket service.

After the subscriber is confirmed, the Troika virtual card emulated on the SIM card is replenished from his mobile personal account in the amount of 150 rubles. No commission is charged for this. Thus, there are two accounts on the user's device - a personal subscriber account and an account of the Troika transport application, with the first serving as a source of replenishment for the second.

The fare is debited from the account of the transport application when it is presented to the reader on the turnstile. In this case, NFC must be activated. You can apply the phone with the screen turned off - the write-off will occur from the desired account automatically. As mobile operators promise, even a discharged (turned off) phone will have a charge to pay for one trip.

The fares are absolutely similar to the "Electronic wallet" and "90 minutes" tariffs (the user switches automatically to this tariff, as well as with a regular card) using the Troika card. In the future, all operators will be able to record on SIM-cards all the tariffs of the current Troika tariff menu.

An important feature of the service: by default, all subscribers are connected to the service of automatic replenishment of the account of the transport application up to the specified amount (150 rubles) when the balance drops to 90 rubles. (write-offs occur from the subscriber's personal account). You can also top up your Troika mobile account manually (using a payment to a short number), and turn off auto-fill (in the Mobile Ticket service menu on your smartphone).

The solution is implemented on the Breeze Transport technology platform developed by Breeze Technologies. The editors of the information portal PLUSworld.ru contacted with the General Director of Breeze Technologies LLC Pavel Vyotosh. In particular, he emphasized that this solution is a 100% domestic development and was completely implemented by the company's specialists.

Answering a question from PLUSworld.ru correspondents about how long it took to develop and implement the Mobile Ticket service in Moscow and what "pitfalls" the developer had to face, P. Vyotosh said: "As an integrator of the Breeze Technology service, it was necessary set up interaction with the Transport Transaction Processing Center (TSOTT) of the Moscow Metro, the electronic money operator MOBI.Dengi NCO LLC, three telecom operators, test the processing and generation of payment SMS messages, and ensure the service is operational 24/7. It all took more than a year.Directly, the development of the transport application for SIM cards and the adaptation of the Breeze Transport platform to the requirements of the customer took several months.As for the "pitfalls", at the stage of testing the system, one of the most difficult tasks was to solve the problem Simultaneous replenishment and debiting from the "Mobile ticket": the launch of the auto-replenishment service at the time of passage through the turnstile. It was necessary to technologically separate the two operations in order to eliminate errors and problems in the operation of the service in such cases."