Tbilisi to Introduce Payment by QR Code for Taxis

Starting from May 22, 2023, passengers in Tbilisi, Georgia's capital city, will have the option to pay for taxi rides through a QR code, according to an announcement by the city's mayor, Kakha Kaladze. The new payment method is expected to offer more convenience and security to passengers, while also enabling drivers to receive payments directly into their bank accounts.

Currently, taxi fares in Tbilisi can only be paid in cash, as most drivers do not have the means to purchase bank terminals. However, a company called BKN301 Georgia has proposed a solution that involves the use of QR codes, which can be linked to any account and scanned with a mobile phone.

In a statement to the municipal government, Kaladze praised the proposal as an innovative and fast method of receiving payments, adding that it will be voluntary for both drivers and passengers. The QR codes will be distributed to drivers from May 22, 2023, at various service centers in the city, including the Tbilisi City Hall Service Center, Samgori Service Center, and Gldani Service Center.

Once the codes are in place, passengers will be able to scan the QR code located on the back of the car seat or other areas of the vehicle, and pay the fare with ease. The driver will then receive the payment instantly in their bank account.

The introduction of QR code payments for taxis is expected to bring numerous benefits to both passengers and drivers. Passengers will no longer have to carry cash or worry about currency exchange rates, while drivers will be able to receive payments more securely and quickly. It is also expected to increase transparency and reduce the incidence of fraud.

In conclusion, the introduction of QR code payments for taxis is a step towards a more modern and efficient transportation system in Tbilisi. It will offer passengers greater convenience and security while also enabling drivers to receive payments directly into their bank accounts.