Starting today, Samsung Pay customers in Russia can use their smartphones as a virtual Troika transit card. This digital upgrade was made possible through a collaboration with Google, VTB Bank, Mastercard, and Mosmetro.
The virtual Troika transit card can be added to any Samsung phone that offers compatibility with Samsung Pay via NFC, though it's also available through Google Pay. With the virtual card set up, customers can bring the phone to a public transport payment terminal that accepts card payments and be ready to go.
What's great about the payment method is that it doesn't require users to unlock their phones. The process is automatic and works in the background. The service can be used on the metro, on buses and electric buses, the MCC, MCD, and the monorail. Customers can pay for virtual tickets online, and Mosmetro offers subscriptions for 30, 90, and 365 days.
Samsung Pay is trailing behind Apple Pay by 0.3%
Samsung Pay went live in Russia in 2016, and the service now supports dozens of banks. Samsung Pay was the 10th most popular online payment service in Russia in 2020 (via Statista). It had a market share of 1.7% and was trailing behind Apple Pay (2.0% market share).
Google Pay was the 5th most popular online payment method in Russia last year, with a 29% share. All things considered, the virtual Troika transit card could make everyday life a little bit more convenient for countless Russian commuters that use Android phones on the Moscow transportation network.
