Chișinău City Hall today presented the Concept for Electronic Ticketing in the capital’s public transport system. The event was attended by Mayor General Ion Ceban, who emphasized that the concept is realistic, based on European best practices and developed by international experts, TRIBUNA reports.

“We want the system to be viable and modern, in line with all European standards,” the mayor said.

During this period, Chișinău City Hall, together with national and international experts, has worked on several steps toward implementing the system:

1. Through the MOVE IT like Lublin project, funded by European partners, the groundwork was prepared for implementing electronic ticketing in Chișinău.

The existing system was analyzed, an e-ticketing study was developed, and the model for the future system was established. The project also included a practical testing stage: for four months, the system was tested on a trolleybus route, with several vehicles equipped with 21 validators and the necessary sales and inspection equipment.

The testing confirmed that the solution can operate under real conditions within the municipal public transport system.

2. Subsequently, within the same project, an Urban Mobility Plan was developed in accordance with European standards and approved by the Chișinău Municipal Council.

3. In parallel, work began on developing the comprehensive concept, prepared by international experts and presented today. The concept is intended to enable the implementation of the system throughout the municipality.

The concept provides for a unified electronic ticketing system for trolleybuses and buses and incorporates European best practices.

The system will allow passengers to use a transport card and, gradually, bank cards, mobile phones and other digital tools, while also maintaining solutions for people who do not use banking services or smartphones.

4. Municipal councillors who attended the presentation of the concept by the international experts are expected to approve the document at a meeting of the Chișinău Municipal Council.

5. Following the approval of the concept by the Municipal Council, procurement documentation will be prepared, an international tender will be announced, a provider will be selected, equipment will be installed, and the system will be implemented across the entire municipal public transport network.

At the end of the event, Ion Ceban reiterated that Chișinău City Hall wants the electronic ticketing system to be implemented as soon as possible, while noting that certain procedures must be followed.

“We are not implementing a system for City Hall or for a particular administration. We are implementing it for the city and its residents, and the responsibility is shared,” the mayor general said.