On March 17, 2025, Toulouse officially became the first city in Europe to let people ride public transport using cryptocurrency. Residents can now pay for tickets with Bitcoin, Ethereum, and over 70 other digital assets.

Commuters access the system through the Tisséo Android app, in partnership with Paris-based fintech firm Lyzi and global crypto exchange Binance. To protect the transit operators from the volatile price swings of the crypto market, the app lets users buy tickets using crypto and instantly converts the amount into euros at checkout. The app supports Binance Pay to make transactions fast and easy.

As per the city’s deputy mayor, the project is still in the testing phase, and the goal now is to explore how often people will use crypto in their everyday routines. As interest in crypto-based payments continues to grow in France, there are reports that other cities in the country are already preparing similar systems.

But the launch raised some concerns. Some Bitcoin advocates criticized the use of intermediaries like Binance, while others pointed out legal and technical issues. Another hurdle is that in France, users must report crypto transactions on tax form 3916-bis. Even a cheap ticket could trigger a 30 percent capital gains tax. The system also limits access to Android users for now, which leaves out iPhone owners.

Despite the criticism, this initiative is a big step toward making crypto more practical. For years, digital assets stayed mostly within trading platforms. This and other similar moves help bring them into a real public service with real-world value.

Cities Around the World Are Testing Blockchain for Public Transit

Toulouse joins a growing list of cities incorporating blockchain and emerging tech in transport to improve efficiency and security and cut down on fraud. France’s national rail operator SNCF has started testing digital IDs built on blockchain.

Passengers can scan a QR code from the France Identité app to show their ID and seat number. In Japan and Indonesia, transit agencies use facial recognition technology to make boarding faster. Over 10 million people in Indonesia now ride trains without paper tickets.

Argentina introduced crypto transit payments as early as 2019. More than 60 cities let riders use crypto to top up their transit cards. India explored using blockchain for its train signaling systems after a deadly accident, in hopes that the technology’s timestamped and immutable record-keeping abilities can prevent future accidents.

Meanwhile, in the shipping sector, COSCO and GSBN launched a pilot program that uses blockchain to manage paperwork for hazardous cargo. Their system speeds up document processing and improves safety standards.

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Privacy, Access, and the Future of Regulation

There are several use cases for blockchain in public transportation. Public transport systems are collecting more data than ever, and this raises important privacy concerns. Blockchain can offer a better approach. It can decentralize data storage and let users verify tickets without revealing personal information. Technologies like Zero-Knowledge Proofs help a lot with that.

Blockchain is also useful for more transparent and timely audits, reporting, and compliance. Still, for wider adoption to happen, regulations need to keep up. Simplifying tax policies and ensuring compatibility with more devices will make these systems more accessible.

Beyond integrating digital currencies into everyday payment systems, testing crypto payments is also a test of what the future of urban life could look like. If crypto can work for something as routine as buying a bus ticket, it could work for other services too. It could help build systems that respect privacy, run smoothly, and welcome everyone. If cities can achieve that, then the future of public infrastructure might be powered by blockchain, not just in first-world countries, but also around the world.

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