Residents of Toulouse will soon have the opportunity to use cryptocurrencies for their public transport payments. On March 17, 2025, Tisséo, the public transport operator in the city, announced the availability of crypto payment services for metros, buses, trams, and cable cars.
With this initiative, Toulouse becomes the first city in Europe to adopt digital currency in its public transport system. Customers will be able to purchase tickets using the Tisséo mobile application, which converts Bitcoin and over 70 other altcoins into Euros instantly.
Sasha Briand, the head of finance at Tisséo, stated that this effort is part of a wider strategy to modernize payment options, which included the introduction of credit card payments on buses in 2023.
In a world that is constantly evolving, Tisséo leads the way in #Innovation and becomes the first European transport operator to offer a payment solution in #cryptocurrency.
This service is available on Android via the Tisséo app…
— Tisséo (@tisseo_officiel) March 17, 2025
Briand notes, “Estimations suggest that 20 to 30% of transactions could be made through this method within two to three years. To stay relevant and continue to modernize, we are launching this payment option.”
The immediate conversion to Euros helps Tisséo avoid the impact of market fluctuations, allowing passengers to use digital currencies with financial stability.
France aims to expand crypto-friendly services as interest in cryptocurrencies continues to grow among its residents. Research from Gemini indicated that 18% of the French population own some form of cryptocurrency. Cannes is also working on a similar crypto payment system for its residents.
The Logistics of the Tisséo Crypto Platform
Tisséo has collaborated with fintech company Lyzi and cryptocurrency exchange Binance to facilitate crypto transactions. This partnership has been met with mixed reactions, especially from Bitcoin purists who oppose the involvement of intermediaries like Binance.
However, supporters argue that this collaboration will ensure faster transaction processing times. A typical ticket costs about 0.000024 BTC (€1.80), and users can opt for multi-ride passes and subscriptions. Currently, the service is exclusively available to Android users, which may pose challenges for others.
Accepted currencies include Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Solana, and Tether, but users must navigate certain regulations to use cryptocurrency for transport payments, including declaring such transactions on their tax forms. There is also a 30% capital gains tax applicable to cryptocurrency dealings.
Crypto Cities on the Rise: Are Crypto Payments the Future of Urban Spaces?
Crypto cities are gaining traction around the world. While Toulouse is the first in Europe to allow small transactions in daily life using crypto, many cities globally are ahead in this integration.
Since 2019, residents in approximately 60 cities in Argentina can recharge SUBE cards using cryptocurrencies, and the UAE has also seen an increase in Bitcoin payments at hotels and restaurants. Notably, Bitcoin is not legally recognized in the UAE.
Cities like the Crypto Valley in Switzerland have allowed residents to use Bitcoin for services since 2016.
Key Takeaways
- Toulouse is the first European city accepting cryptocurrency for public transport payments.
- Cannes is also developing its own crypto payment system.
- The current initiative is limited to Android users through the Tisséo app.
