The scene may well be common or familiar from having lived it or seen it. A queue at Avenida de America station and after finishing it, when paying for the bus and not having the bus pass, one or the other has to turn around, look for a cashier, wait for the next bus and then go to his or her destination.
The Community of Madrid is ready to introduce a major transformation in its intercity transport system. Starting next year,travelers will be able to pay for their intercity bus trips using bank cards, thus eliminating the need to use cash, as reported by El Huff Post.
This announcement will considerably modernize public transport in the region, although while it is true that on Madrid’s urban buses (owned by Empresa Municipal de Transporte) it has been possible to pay with cards for some time.
Testing and extension to all lines
The new payment system will begin its tests in the coming days in the urban services of Torrejón de Ardoz, and is scheduled to be gradually expanded to the rest of the region’s intercity bus network.
The objective is for all transport operators to have the new validating machines installed in their fleets by June 2025. This measure will affect more than 800,000 people who use the intercity bus lines, known for their green color and for connecting various municipalities in Madrid with the capital, on a daily basis.
Until now, passengers could only pay for single tickets in cash on board the buses, or purchase 10-trip vouchers and monthly or annual transport passes at kiosks and online.
With the introduction of card payment, the Community of Madrid not only seeks to improve convenience for users, but also to advance in the digitization of public services. According to regional executive sources, this decision is part of a broader commitment to the modernization of public transport.
The creation of a Digital Public Transport Card
Editorial credit: Ivan Marc / Shutterstock.com
In parallel, the Madrid Regional Transport Consortium (CRTM) is making progress on the creation of a digital version of the Public Transport Card (TTP)..
This project will allow users to carry the TTP on their mobile devices, eliminating the need for the current plastic holder. This digital version is expected to be available by the end of October for 10-trip tickets and tourist tickets. By the first quarter of 2025, it will also be available for personal passes.
This move responds to the growing demand for digital solutions in all aspects of daily life and aligns with the global trend toward reducing the use of plastics and implementing technologies that facilitate mobility.