There was a time when payment cards occupied space in the wallet and could be forgotten at home. Today, most already lives on our mobile.
In public transport, that transition is still slower. But if you use the transport fertilizer of the Community of Madrid, there is an important novelty: very soon you can take it on the mobile. No physical cards. At least, in theory. Because it will not be for everyone, or in any way.
A pilot test for 4,000 users. The implementation of the digital transport fertilizer starts with a controlled test. The Community of Madrid has invited 4,000 people to participate in the first official pilot, a phase designed to validate the operation of the app, analyze the behavior of readers on the network and collect data on the real use of the system.
Not everyone can access this option immediately. Participation requires prior registration, and those selected will receive custom instructions to download the app, digitize their physical card and start traveling with the mobile. This first phase will have an estimated duration of 12 weeks.
How the app works and what do you need to use it. The operation is simple: you digitize your physical card through the new mitarjetatransporte app, and from there you can bring your mobile device to the access or validator lathe where you start your trip, as if it were a physical card.
But not any mobile is worth. To join this test you need an Android 9.0 or higher device, NFC technology and the Google Wallet application installed. The virtual card is not managed from the original app, but is saved directly in Wallet. And if you have an iPhone, for now, you will stay out: this first version is only compatible with Android.
The cards that can be digitized. The MY transport card is only compatible with the Personal Public Transport Card (Personal TTP) and, more specifically, with monthly type fertilizers.
They are out of this test:
- The children’s card
- The blue card
- Annual fertilizers
- Non -personal or other users
Digitization is designed for individual and exclusive use.
Register is not automatic: thus you can participate in the test. Sinning to this pilot test requires a previous step. It is not enough to have the app or the compatible mobile: you have to fill in an official form available in this link and wait confirmation. In that form some key data are requested, such as the model of your mobile, the Android version and the email you use on Google Wallet.
Once the application is sent, you will receive a proof. If everything goes well and you are selected, you will get an email from [email protected] with the download link and the steps to start. You have a two -week margin to complete the process.
You digitize your card, but physics stop working. When you activate the virtual card, physics is deactivated. It is not a copy or a duplicate version: the system transfers your payment to the mobile and leaves the original card useless. It is a complete change, although reversible if later you decide to return to the physical format.
This measure seeks to avoid fraud and ensure that each payment can only be used from a single support. Therefore, if you are thinking of trying the app, it is convenient to be clear that there is no immediate back: you have to request it if you want to return to the physical card.
What tickets and fertilizers can you use from the mobile. During the test, the virtual card allows you to keep the titles already loaded in the physical TTP and acquire new ones from the mobile. The following are available:
- Personal titles: monthly transport fertilizer
- Non -personal titles: 10 trips, airport supplement, tourist ticket
Annual titles and those associated with non -compatible cards, such as children or blue are out of this version. The system also does not allow the use of simple tickets from the app.
What if something fails? Thus the problems are reported. It can happen: this is a test and the consortium needs to know what fails. For that they have enabled a form within the app itself, where you can report errors in the discharge, validation, recharge or general operation.
You can also write [email protected]. It is not necessary for the failure to be serious: even a small detail helps improve the system. If everything goes well, you can also leave comments or suggestions.
And if any validator does not work, remember: you can consult and show the balance of your card from the app. That serves as proof in case they ask you to justify that you carry the active fertilizer.
Other important limitations that you must take into account. Before throwing you, some limitations should be clear. The virtual card does not replace everything. For example, you will not be able to use it to access free parkings linked to public transport, since the system is not yet enabled at those points.
In addition, participation demands commitment: if you do not make real use during the pilot’s weeks, they could cancel you. It is not enough to download the app and leave it there.
And an important detail: the link to download the app will only be active for two weeks. If not complete the process within that period, you will have to start over (if you allow it).
After the pilot, the digital card will remain active. The use of the digital card does not end with the test. Once the pilot ends – previso with a duration of about 12 weeks – users can continue to use their digitized TTP without returning to the physical card.
The objective of the consortium is to progressively extend this option to the set of users. But, for now, there is no confirmed date for its general implementation. This phase will be used to evaluate the system and prepare the ground for its complete deployment.
Images | CRT Madrid
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