Payment Chaos Disrupts Moscow: Public Transport, Zoo Operations Affected

A malfunction in payment systems led to disruptions across Moscow, affecting public transport and local businesses. Shoppers faced issues with Sberbank and QR code payments, resulting in metro turnstiles allowing free entry and a zoo requesting cash payments. The problem's cause remains unclear.

Moscow experienced significant disruptions on Friday due to a malfunction in payment systems, causing chaos for shoppers and public transport users. Key areas, including the Moscow metro, had to adapt as turnstiles temporarily allowed free passage.

Sberbank, Russia's largest bank, was implicated in the issues. Shoppers and retailers reported problems with QR code payments, forcing many outlets, including petrol stations, to request cash-only transactions for nearly an hour.

The situation extended beyond transport, as a regional zoo in Belgorod requested cash payments from visitors due to card system failures. Despite Sberbank announcing a resolution, the root cause of the disturbance remains undisclosed.

(With inputs from agencies.)