Istanbul introduces POS devices for minibus payments in Pendik pilot

A new digital payment system has been introduced for minibuses in Istanbul, allowing passengers to pay fares using contactless credit or debit cards via POS devices. The initiative has launched as a pilot program in the Pendik district, following coordination between the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality and local tradesmen chambers.

Under the new system, passengers will not be charged any additional commissions or transaction fees for using card payments. The move aims to address challenges caused by recent fare updates, including the difficulty of handling small change for distance-based pricing. Current rates include 43 TL for distances under 4 kilometers and 28 TL for student fares.

Following successful performance tests in Pendik, there are plans to gradually expand the mandatory use of these devices across both the European and Anatolian sides of the city.