In 2023, BCR, one of Romania’s leading banking institutions, reported a significant leap in the adoption of digital payments within the public transportation sector. Over 53 million digital transactions were recorded, marking a 32% increase compared to the previous year. This surge in contactless payments, averaging over 8,500 transactions per day in each city where the service was implemented, signifies a growing preference for convenient and secure payment methods among commuters.
BCR has been at the forefront of integrating contactless payment solutions in public transport across 17 cities in Romania, including Bucharest. This initiative not only makes daily commutes smoother but also represents a broader shift toward digital financial solutions in the country.
Such innovations position Romania among the leading European countries in terms of transaction volume for transport subscriptions that can be directly used from the bank card on which they were purchased. For instance, the implementation of a contactless payment system for parking at the Henri Coandă International Airport terminals has facilitated over 1.5 million transactions, totaling 43 million RON. This smart solution by BCR enables individuals to pay for parking contactless, using a bank card or any NFC-enabled smart device, at payment terminals and directly at access barriers.
