The Future of Public Transport Payments in Madrid
There was a time when payment cards occupied space in the wallet and could be forgotten at home. Today, most already live on our mobile devices . This transformation, however, has been slower in public transport. Fortunately, a significant step forward is on the horizon for the Community of Madrid, where residents will soon be able to utilize their transport vouchers directly from their smartphones—without the need for physical cards.
In a move that seeks to modernize transportation payments, the Community of Madrid has initiated a pilot program that will eventually allow users to carry their transport vouchers on their mobile devices. But there’s a catch: at first, this will only be accessible to a select group of users. Specifically, 4,000 individuals will participate in the initial trial phase.
A pilot test for 4,000 users. The implementation of the digital transport voucher is commencing with a controlled test designed to validate the operation of the app. As part of this initiative, participants will help analyze how the system performs and share their experiences. If you’re curious, the Community of Madrid has opened invitations for interested individuals to partake in the first official pilot.
Not everyone can access this option immediately. To be eligible for this program, users must register in advance. Once selected, participants will receive tailored instructions to download the app, digitize their physical card, and start traveling using their mobile devices. The estimated duration of this pilot phase is 12 weeks .
How the app works and what do you need to use it. The functionality of the app is straightforward. Users will digitize their physical transport card through the new mitarjetatransporte app. After this, they can simply tap their mobile devices against the access or validator point—similar to how they would with a physical card.
However, not all mobile devices qualify. To participate, users will need an Android 9.0 or higher device that supports NFC technology and has the Google Wallet app installed. The virtual card will not be managed directly within the original app; instead, it will be saved directly in Google Wallet. Unfortunately, iPhone users will need to wait, as the initial version is only compatible with Android devices.
The cards that can be digitized. The MY transport card can only be converted into a digital format if it is a Personal Public Transport Card (Personal TTP) , specifically for monthly transport vouchers. However, certain cards are excluded from this system:
- The children’s card
- The blue card
- Annual vouchers
- Non-personal cards or those owned by others
This digitization feature is intended for individual use only.
Register is not automatic: thus you can participate in the test. To become part of this pilot test, users need to complete an official registration form and await a confirmation. Key information required includes the model of your mobile device, Android version, and the Google Wallet email address.
After submitting the application, you will receive a confirmation proof. If all details are accurate and you’re selected, an email will arrive from [email protected] with download instructions along with steps to get started. Note that you will have a two-week window to finish the setup process.
You digitize your card, but the physical version stops working. Once you activate the virtual card, the physical version becomes non-functional. This isn’t a mere duplicate; it’s a complete transition, albeit reversible should you wish to revert to the physical card later.
This strategy aims to prevent fraud, ensuring that each payment method can only be utilized from one platform. If you’re considering trying the app, it’s vital to understand that reverting to a physical card is not immediate—you must formally request it.
What tickets and vouchers can you use from the mobile? During the pilot, the virtual card can utilize existing titles stored on the physical TTP and allow for new purchases made directly from the mobile. Available options include:
- Personal titles: monthly transport voucher
- Non-personal tickets: 10 trips, airport supplement, tourist ticket
However, annual tickets and anything associated with non-compatible cards—like children’s or blue cards—are exempt from this trial. The application will also not permit the purchase of simple tickets.
What if something fails? How to report issues. It’s essential to remember that this is a trial period, allowing the consortium to assess potential failures. A dedicated form within the app enables users to report issues related to download errors, validation glitches, or general app operations.
Users can also contact directly at [email protected]. Every piece of feedback—whether a major issue or minor detail—can help in enhancing the system. If all goes smoothly, participants are welcome to provide comments and suggestions as well.
In the event that any validator malfunctions, you can still verify and showcase the balance on your card via the app. This acts as proof should inspection occur for validating active transport access.
Other important limitations to be aware of. Before delving into this program, it’s critical to recognize that the virtual card won’t entirely replace all functions. For instance, users won’t be able to use it for accessing free parking associated with public transport, as that system hasn’t been integrated yet.
Moreover, engagement is necessary: failing to utilize the app actively during the pilot could result in exclusion from the test. Simply downloading the app will not suffice.
An important detail to note is that the link for downloading the app will only be valid for two weeks. Should you miss that window, you will need to reapply—if you’re permitted to do so.
After the pilot, the digital card will remain active. Notably, the use of the digital card will not conclude with the test period. Even after the 12-week pilot wraps up, participants will retain access to their digitized TTP without needing to revert to the physical card.
The consortium’s ultimate goal is to progressively extend this functionality to a broader audience. However, at present, there is no confirmed timeline for full rollout. This phase will significantly inform system evaluation and is crucial for preparing for comprehensive implementation.
Images | CRT Madrid
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