[5][6][7] After smart card pilot projects proved successful, Yikatong was introduced at the end of 2003 on Beijing subway Line 13 and certain bus routes.

Initially, the card was not widely adopted by passengers because of its limited usefulness, the relatively high deposit, and its lack of availability.

While some passengers initially complained about long queues at bus stops, the system was adopted by increasing numbers of people.

[9] Beginning in 2022, the Yikatong card was mandated to be tied to an individual's Beijing Health Kit as a way to further enforce China's Zero-COVID efforts and its associated regular testing.

Unlimited metro (excluding the Capital and Daxing Airport Express lines) and bus ride passes are available for 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7-day validities.