Italy has patented the payment of buses and parking with cryptocurrency without the involvement of banks

In Italy, a system has been developed that allows payment for public transport tickets, subscriptions, parking, and tolls directly with cryptocurrency. The technology operates on blockchain and does not require banks or traditional payment operators. This is reported by SoldiOnline.

The patent was received by the Italian company Aep Ticketing Solutions based in Signa near Florence, which specializes in electronic payment systems for travel.

Payment for travel using Bitcoin and Dogecoin: patent issued in Italy on July 1, 2026

The Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy granted the patent on July 1 for the invention by engineers Alessandro Sansone, CEO of Aep Ticketing Solutions, and Roberto Dell'Eva. The application for the invention was submitted on May 8, 2024.

The system allows the use of digital currencies, including Bitcoin or Dogecoin, for purchasing single tickets and subscriptions. The technology can also be applied for parking payments and toll roads.

The passenger's smartphone and the transport company receive their own public addresses on the blockchain. During the purchase, the system creates a transaction that transfers the necessary amount from the user's cryptocurrency wallet to the operator's wallet.

The operation is authorized using the user's private key. The verification and registration of the transaction is ensured by the blockchain, so there is no need to involve a bank or other financial intermediary for processing such a payment.

Cryptocurrency payments in transport may spread beyond Italy after the 2025 application

Aep Ticketing Solutions has developed the technology to be integrated into existing electronic sales and ticket verification systems. Its potential users can include operators of public transport, parking lots, and toll highways.

The company has also submitted an international application under the Patent Cooperation Treaty procedure. The World Intellectual Property Organization published it on November 13, 2025, under number WO2025/233853.

This creates the possibility for patent protection of the development in other countries. At the same time, obtaining a patent does not in itself mean that Italian buses, parking lots, or highways already accept Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies: the source reports on the patented technology and the possibilities for its integration.

Recall that due to the migration crisis, Italy has continued the suspension of Schengen with Spain.