Metro passengers now have a new alternative payment for virtual single-journey tickets starting Thursday.

Prior to taking the Metro, passengers can purchase their tickets by inputting departure and arrival stations in the Shenzhen Metro app, which will then generate a QR code that can be scanned at turnstiles to enter the stations.

The service targets at cross-border passengers, non-local passengers and some who are reluctant to open the pin-free payment services, according to Shenzhen Metro Group.

There are currently around 50,000 passengers a day who use the single-journey tokens sold at automated ticket vending machines, with mostly border-crossing and out of town travelers.

The virtual tickets will save passengers’ time waiting in line at the ticket vending machines and they can also ask for refunds for canceling a trip any time.