In March, Tisséo made history by becoming the first public transportation network in Europe to accept cryptocurrency payments for tickets. Dalvinder Kular, assistant editor at National Technology News, explores whether this initiative signals a broader trend towards the integration of cryptocurrency in everyday transactions.
Bitcoin Pizza Day: A Historic Transaction
On May 22, 2010, Laszlo Hanyecz, a programmer with a passion for cryptocurrency, made a notable purchase of two pizzas for 10,000 bitcoins in Florida, valued at roughly $41 at the time. This event marked the beginning of what is now recognized as Bitcoin Pizza Day. Since then, approximately 15,200 businesses worldwide have embraced bitcoin as a payment option, leading to an estimated 328,370 bitcoin transactions each day, according to the small business advisory firm Fundera. While this figure pales in comparison to the nearly two billion daily credit card transactions globally, there are signs that using Ethereum to buy a cup of coffee may soon become as commonplace as contactless payments.
Tisséo’s Innovative Payment Approach
In March 2025, Tisséo, the public transport operator in Toulouse, France, took a significant step by allowing cryptocurrency transactions for ticket purchases. This followed the earlier adoption of crypto payments by French luxury department store Printemps to cater to its international customers. Beyond France, the world is witnessing a gradual shift of cryptocurrency from a speculative asset to a practical payment method. Former US President Donald Trump has expressed ambitions to position the US as the leading cryptocurrency hub, even launching his own meme coin. Additionally, Colorado’s Department of Revenue began accepting cryptocurrency for tax payments in September 2022. Despite these advancements, consumer adoption of crypto payments remains uncertain.
Utilizing Cryptocurrency for Public Transport
Sacha Briand, a board member of Tisséo and Toulouse’s deputy mayor overseeing finance and public assets, reported that the Tisséo app facilitates about ten cryptocurrency transactions weekly. Given that Toulouse is a university town with a youthful demographic that is well-acquainted with cryptocurrencies, Briand anticipates an increase in these transactions when students return in September to purchase their annual season tickets. With Toulouse recently surpassing Lyon as France’s third-largest city, Tisséo aims to modernize its payment systems in light of a new metro line slated to open in 2028. The partnership with payment platform Lyzi allows Android users to buy digital tickets using cryptocurrency alongside traditional card options. Tisséo invested approximately €50,000 in integration costs and does not earn commissions from these transactions. Briand noted that the primary challenge was aligning public accounting regulations with this new payment system, though the implementation process was relatively straightforward. The Lyzi platform connects crypto-paying customers to Tisséo, and while Tisséo staff do not handle cryptocurrency directly, they are trained to manage refund requests in a manner similar to traditional credit card processes.
Expectations for Future Adoption
It is estimated that about 18% of the French population owns cryptocurrency, a figure projected to rise. Thomas Franklin, CEO of crypto FinTech firm Swapped, speculated that only about 2-3% of crypto holders might initially use it for purchases like Tisséo’s travel payments. However, he suggested that this usage could double annually, potentially reaching 10% by 2027 if the transaction experience remains smooth. Franklin emphasized that purchasing transport tickets is an ideal scenario for utilizing cryptocurrency, as it involves frequent, low-cost, and low-dispute transactions. Julia Barashkov, a PhD researcher at Delft University of Technology, noted similarities between public transportation and the token economy, stating that transit systems tokenize access to services without transferring ownership. She emphasized the need for efficiency in transactions but pointed out potential challenges in the physical sector due to the involvement of multiple stakeholders who may not be familiar with cryptocurrencies.
Global Trends in Cryptocurrency Adoption
Countries are increasingly recognizing the potential of cryptocurrency payments. Recently, Bhutan partnered with Binance Pay, becoming the first nation to implement a national cryptocurrency payment system aimed at enhancing its tourism sector. This new framework allows Binance Pay users to settle nearly all aspects of their travels in Bhutan, from airline tickets to hotel stays, using supported cryptocurrencies through QR code transactions. Papuna Lezhava, CEO of crypto payments firm Keepz, highlighted a growing trend where countries with supportive regulation and infrastructure are adopting cryptocurrencies more rapidly, as seen in Georgia, where residents can pay taxes and purchase property using crypto.
Challenges of Spending Digital Assets
Due to the volatility of cryptocurrency prices, many users view digital currencies as investment assets rather than mediums of exchange for goods and services, often leaving them dormant in digital wallets. Franklin observed that most crypto users are hesitant to spend assets that could appreciate significantly in value. However, stablecoins like USDC, which are pegged to fiat currencies, are changing this perception. He noted that individuals are more likely to use stablecoins or Layer-2 tokens for everyday purchases compared to Bitcoin. For cryptocurrency payments to become as seamless as tap-to-pay methods, several obstacles must be addressed. Currently, the payment process can involve multiple steps, and Franklin believes an ideal system would allow for “invisible” conversions, where users can pay in cryptocurrency without the need for manual calculations or delays. He estimates that achieving this level of efficiency is still five to seven years away.
Merchant Concerns and Regulatory Challenges
Merchants face significant barriers when integrating cryptocurrency payments. Franklin explained that crypto transactions do not automatically sync with traditional accounting systems, creating complex reconciliation issues without middleware for real-time conversion and ledger management. To alleviate these challenges, many merchants are turning to specialized processors that facilitate instant conversion and support for stablecoins. Lezhava pointed out that many new platforms are tackling these issues by offering real-time conversion from crypto to local currency, ensuring merchants receive the expected payment amount while allowing customers to use digital assets with confidence. Beyond volatility, Franklin emphasized that merchants must consider various risks, including chargebacks, settlement times, and regulatory classifications. He cautioned that if a merchant receives $10 in Bitcoin but its value drops to $9.40 by the time of cashing out, it can severely impact profits. Additionally, there are concerns about regulations that may hinder payment innovations, with Franklin noting that while the UK has a robust blockchain sector, regulatory hurdles can impede crypto adoption. Despite ongoing developments, there seems to be a lack of momentum towards adopting cryptocurrency payments in retail and public services, particularly in the UK, where regulatory caution prevails. The situation is similarly complex in the US, where attitudes towards crypto vary widely among cities.
The Road Ahead for Cryptocurrency Integration
For cryptocurrency to become an accepted payment method, its integration will likely be a gradual process, much like the adoption of the internet, smartphones, or contactless payment methods. Mass acceptance will be driven by its practical benefits rather than mere hype. Barashkov underlined that success depends not only on technology but also on governance, highlighting the necessity for stakeholders who may not own tokens to support cryptocurrency in physical spaces. Tisséo plans to evaluate the option of cryptocurrency payments later this year but currently has no definitive plans for expansion or discontinuation of the service. Briand stated that the decision to incorporate crypto was not merely a trend-based move but a response to the evolving landscape of payment technologies, reflecting Toulouse’s identity as a hub of innovation and growth. He expressed confidence in the rapid growth of cryptocurrency, viewing this payment method as an indication of the city’s commitment to progress. While cryptocurrency began as an alternative financial tool, it is steadily transitioning into a more everyday payment option. As infrastructure improves and user experiences become more streamlined, the use of cryptocurrency for payments could become as routine as using contactless cards. Despite the promising applications for integrating cryptocurrency into daily life, it remains evident that significant obstacles must be overcome before widespread adoption can be realized.
