Starting 1 August, a new feature is being rolled out across Kaunas’s public transport network: passengers can now pay using contactless bank cards and NFC-enabled smart devices. This marks another step in modernising the city’s transport system, aimed at delivering a seamless and user-friendly travel experience for both Kaunas residents and visitors.

Kaunas – a smart city on the move

“This is a significant milestone in building convenient, smooth, and modern public transport in Kaunas. The introduction of contactless payments is part of our consistent urban modernisation strategy, designed to enable fully cashless travel.  By doing so, we not only save passengers’ time but also reduce the burden on drivers, allowing them to focus on their most important task – safely transporting passengers,” said Kaunas Mayor Visvaldas Matijošaitis.

The contactless payment system has been installed in 138 trolleybuses and 291 buses, with nearly all vehicles now equipped with two validators. The solution was implemented by UAB Kauno autobusai in partnership with Elavon, international payment processor, ensuring secure and efficient transaction handling. The historic first validation took place this morning at 04:31:29 25 min. on Route No. 29 Kaunas Airport–Railway Station.

“This new payment method will be especially convenient for tourists and occasional travellers, while regular public transport users in Kaunas are already familiar with the Žiogas app”, said Kaunas Deputy Mayor Andrius Palionis, commenting on the innovation.

From 1 August, contactless readers will allow passengers to pay for public transport trips using MasterCard and VISA contactless bank cards. The new payment option complements existing ticketing methods – the mobile app and the Žiogas electronic ticket card.

This enhancement provides passengers with greater flexibility, making public transport more accessible to both local residents and visitors from elsewhere in Lithuania or abroad.

How does it work?

When boarding a bus or trolleybus, passengers simply need to tap their MasterCard or Visa contactless card – or any linked smart device such as a phone, watch, or ring – on the validator.

A ticket purchased via contactless payment will cost 1 euro and is valid for a single passenger’s journey to the final stop of the route. This fare does not qualify for discounts, does not allow transfers to another vehicle within 30 minutes, and only one ticket can be purchased per card.

Important guidelines for passengers

The contactless bank card must be removed from wallets, backpacks, or handbags before tapping – just as with the Žiogas card.

“It’s as easy as pie,” joked company employees – “Paying on the bus is just like at a store checkout – tap only one card!”

If an object containing several contactless cards is tapped simultaneously, the validator may fail to read the correct one, rejecting all or charging an unintended card.

A successful payment is confirmed by an audible beep and a green screen displaying the message Single Paid – only then should the card be removed. A red screen indicates a failed transaction; in this case, passengers should try again or use an alternative payment method.

Ticket presentation for inspection

During ticket checks, passengers must present the same card or device used to make the payment. Inspectors will verify the ticket using a dedicated reader. If the ticket was purchased via smartphone, passengers should present the back of the phone to the inspector.

Important: If the ticket was purchased with a smart device, its battery must be sufficiently charged during the journey to allow presentation at the time of inspection. Passengers are solely responsible for any issues related to connectivity or low battery.

If the same card or device used to purchase the ticket is tapped against the validator again during the same journey, information about the ticket status will be displayed – no additional charges will be made.

Modern mobility – a priority for Kaunas

Introducing contactless payments supports seamless, cashless travel, unifies the ticketing system, and brings Kaunas in line with smart city mobility standards across Europe.

“For us, this is more than just a technological upgrade – it’s a meaningful step toward a stronger connection with our passengers. We want every person boarding a bus to feel comfortable, safe, and valued. Contactless payment gives passengers more freedom and allows drivers to focus on what matters most – safe driving.  We’re proud to be part of this transformation and to help shape a more modern, accessible Kaunas,” said Mindaugas Grigelis, CEO of Kauno autobusai.

Innovations in Kaunas public transport have been introduced steadily: In 2018, mobile users gained access to the convenient Žiogas ticketing app, and in 2021, a new electronic ticketing system was launched under the same name – enabling payments via reloadable Žiogas contactless cards after topping up the account with funds.

The option to purchase a ticket with cash directly from the driver remains available in Kaunas, but the focus is now on convenient, fast, and contactless payment solutions.

Information provided by Kauno autobusai

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