Shanghai subway introduces QR code payments on all lines
["china"]
The Shanghai subway will introduce QR code payments across the whole network from January 20, the metro's operator, Shanghai Shentong Metro Group, has announced.
With QR code readers currently being installed at all of the network's 389 stations, passengers will be able to pay for their tickets using Alipay or UnionPay simply by scanning the QR code after downloading a mobile app, the company said.
"QR codes have fundamentally changed people's daily life in China. It's the right time to roll out the new payment method, making riding the Shanghai metro more convenient," said Jin Tao, an executive with the subway information management center.
Brenda Sun, a Shanghai subway user, told the South China Morning Post, "I will definitely try the new service. Sometimes I only realize I don’t have my card with me until I reach the fare gate, so have to brave the crowds to buy a ticket – especially annoying during rush hours.”
Passengers can pay their tickets via Alipay or China UnionPay simply by scanning the QR code after downloading a mobile app. /Xinhua Photo

Passengers can pay their tickets via Alipay or China UnionPay simply by scanning the QR code after downloading a mobile app. /Xinhua Photo

QR code payments have already been launched on the subway systems in cities such as Beijing and Hangzhou, facilitating a quicker flow of passengers in and out of the station. 
Jin told Xinhua that unlike traditional online payments, the Shanghai metro has adopted innovative technology that can function without an Internet connection, taking only half a second to pass through the turnstile.
To encourage passengers to try the new payment method, the Shanghai metro will offer discounts on fares between January 20 and February 28.
Currently, Shanghai has the world's longest metro network, at 666 kilometers. 
Before spreading the QR payment service to all lines, Shanghai piloted it at two stations on the maglev line last October.
1068km
Source(s): Xinhua News Agency