(Yicai Global) Oct. 13 -- Shanghai citizens can use 213 mobile phone models including ones from Huawei Technologies Co., Xiaomi Inc. and Samsung Group to take public buses, subways and ferries while enjoying the same discounts offered to physical transportation card users, Shanghai Public Transportation Card Co. told Yicai Global.

Only the Android operating system can support the application at present.

The 'transportation card on mobile phone' utilizes the embedded security chip in phones and integrates transportation card functions with smartphones' Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, allowing users to activate and top up their 'cards,' make balance inquiries and enjoy an experience similar to using a physical card.

"At present, users do not have to go the brick-and-mortar outlet to buy and charge the card for they can use a mobile phone, and people will no longer need to worry about forgetting to take the physical card," an SPTCC employee said. "Operators promote regular special offers that bring additional welfare to citizens as well."

Hundreds of thousands of users have already activated and used the mobile phone transportation card.