New System for Occasional Users and Tourists

The Metropolitan Transport Authority (ATM), a consortium formed by the Generalitat de Catalunya, Barcelona City Council, and the Barcelona Metropolitan Area, has launched a tender for banking services and payment infrastructure to enable direct payment on public transport using contactless bank cards or mobile devices. This new system will allow users to purchase and validate single tickets by tapping their bank card or mobile device at T-mobilitat terminals, without needing to buy a ticket in advance. The change is designed primarily for occasional users, visitors, and tourists, and will not affect regular commuters, who will continue to use their T-mobilitat season tickets and integrated passes as before.

Progressive Rollout Expected in 2027

For services where fares depend on distance or zones travelled, the functionality will be introduced gradually, pending installation of exit validators that will allow users to tag out with the same card used to tag in. The tender documents specify a maximum of three months from contract award for the successful provider to complete integration, testing, and certification. The rollout will be progressive and subject to ATM authorisation and operator participation. The plan is to begin implementation during 2027, provided all stages are completed satisfactorily.

Direct payment with a bank card will be exclusively for the purchase of single tickets and will particularly facilitate access to public transport for occasional users, visitors, and tourists.

The contract has an initial duration of two years and three months, with a possible one-year extension. Its estimated value is €3.46 million, excluding VAT, though this figure is not a fixed expense and depends on actual transaction volumes and operator participation.

No Changes to Fare Policy

The project does not involve changes to fare structure, the pay-per-use model, or zoning. It will not eliminate fare zones or introduce per-kilometre charging. The system will simply allow payment of existing single tickets using contactless bank cards. More information on the initiative is available at atm.cat.

Sources: ATM Barcelona - Press Releases, atm.cat, Generalitat de Catalunya.