QR codes for public transport and parking
A bus stop timetable is out of date whenever a diversion goes in. A QR code on the stop that opens live departures and service changes for that stop gives riders accurate information while the printed timetable stays as the fallback.
Parking operators use codes for payment, which makes them a target for fake stickers. Operators need codes on their own domain, tamper-evident labels and a clear message to drivers about what a genuine code looks like.
QR code ideas for transit and parking
Live departures per stop
Each stop's code opens its real-time departures, diversions and accessibility information.
Pay for parking
A code on the meter or sign that opens the operator's official payment page for that zone.
Service changes and disruption
Codes on station posters that open the current disruption page, updated as it happens.
Report a problem
Feedback forms for broken shelters, dirty vehicles or accessibility issues at a specific location.
Which QR code to use
Static codes are free and need no account, but can't be changed after printing. Dynamic codes and hosted pages can be edited at any time, count every scan, and keep working on every plan, even if you cancel.
Dynamic link per stop or zone, on your domain
One code per stop or parking zone, on a custom domain riders can recognise. Repoint codes during diversions.
Create a dynamic codeFeedback and forms page
Star ratings, NPS and questions, with responses collected in your dashboard.
Location-specific problem reports with choice and text fields, one form per stop or car park.
Build it in the dashboardApp download page
Shows the App Store button on iPhones and the Google Play button on Android.
If you have a ticketing app, send iPhone scans to the App Store and Android scans to Google Play.
Build it in the dashboardHow big to print it
| Where people scan | Distance | Minimum code width |
|---|---|---|
| Bus stop timetable panel | 60 cm (24 in) | 7.0 cm (2.7 in) |
| Parking sign or meter | 1 m (3 ft) | 11.6 cm (4.6 in) |
| Station poster across the platform | 4 m (13 ft) | 46.4 cm (18.3 in) |
For a dynamic short link such as https://qrdx.dev/q/aB3dE5f at error correction Q, without the blank margin. Static Wi-Fi, vCard or long URL codes hold more data and need to be larger. Check yours with the print size calculator and the scan checker.
Placement tips
- Print the official domain under every payment code, and tell drivers on the sign: 'Only pay through pay.example-city.gov'.
- Use tamper-evident labels for payment codes and inspect them on regular rounds.
- Mount stop codes at 1.2 to 1.4 m so wheelchair users can scan them.
- Give each stop or zone its own code so analytics show where riders and drivers need information.
Call-to-action copy
A code with a reason to scan beside it gets more scans than a bare code. Lines to print next to yours:
- Live departures from this stop
- Pay for parking in this zone
- Service changes today
- Report a problem at this stop
QR codes for transit and parking: FAQ
How can drivers tell a fake parking QR code?
Fake codes are usually stickers placed over the real one and open look-alike payment sites. Drivers should check that the link preview shows the operator's official domain. Operators should print that domain on the sign and inspect codes regularly.
Can QR codes at stops show live departures?
Yes, by linking each stop's code to the live departures page for that stop in your journey planner. A dynamic code lets you change the destination if the planner's URLs change.
Can we use our own domain for QR short links?
Yes. Custom domains on Pro and Business put your domain in every short link, which is the best signal to riders and drivers that a code is genuine.