While waiting for the T-Mobilitat to finally come into operation, Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona (TMB) buses have taken another step in their digitalization with the launch of bank card payment for single tickets. Users of lines V3 (Zona Franca - Can Caralleu) and 46 (Aeropuerto - Plaza Espanya) will be able to start doing so, with the forecast of having extended it to the entire network by November.
To pay the 2.4 euros that single tickets cost, credit and debit cards can be used, but also mobile devices in which they can be integrated, such as smartphones and smartwatches. When getting on the bus, the user will only have to bring the card or device close to a reader located next to the driver, which captures the data and manages the purchase of the single ticket. The card or device used to make the transaction will serve as proof of the ticket in case of ticket inspection and no ticket will be needed to prove it.
This initiative promoted by TMB and the Autoritat del Transport Metropolità (ATM) aims to facilitate access to the bus for people who are not regular users and get on without any type of integrated pass and have to buy the ticket on board, such as tourists. The implementation of this new payment system will involve a total investment of 1.4 million euros.
Likewise, it means the elimination of cash handling, streamlining the bus service with shorter stop times. The cash purchase of single tickets was already canceled during the state of alarm to reduce interactions and the possibility of contagion. Since last June, the purchase of these tickets has been allowed through the TMB App, validating them with the QR codes placed inside the vehicles.