what changes from June 1

Let’s tell you all changes that have been announced in the payment system of the Madrid Metro network. These changes will bring new payment methods for the Metro that will be much more flexible and comfortable for users.

These measures will begin with a first phase focused more on tourists than citizens, and this is what we are going to explain to you. It is a system that allows you pay at the turnstiles with your card or mobileso you no longer need to buy individual tickets.

Direct payment by card and mobile

Starting June 1 the Madrid Metro network is going to establish a payment system at the turnstiles themselves. In this way, users will be able to enter directly without having to purchase a Public Transport Card.

You can make payments both with physical cards and from smart devices wherever you have them integrated, such as mobile phones, smart watches or other devices with contactless technology. Come on, you just have to bring your card or mobile phone with the wallet app to the turnstile, and it will charge you and let you pass. It’s something similar to what you can do on highways.

The Metro network has already adapted a total of 1,249 turnstiles to be able to do this. In addition, all stations in the network will also have devices prepared to validate transport tickets using QR codes.

During the first weeks, this payment method will have a promotional reduced price which will be 1.5 euros. Normally the price of the Metro can vary between 1.50 and 3 euros depending on your station of origin and destination, but to encourage its use the minimum price will be temporarily charged.

In 2027 there will be smart payments

What we have told you about card or mobile payments is only the first phase to modernize payments in the Metro. A smart payment system will also be implemented in 2027 called “Account-Based Ticketing”.

This system will calculate the cheapest fare for each traveler based on the number of trips they make each day, and their origin and destination stations. Come on, it will mean that you don’t have to think about what rate you need to contract, and it will take into account your usage habits to give you the cheapest alternative.

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