Contactless Payment on Milan's ATM Metro, Trams & Buses
Milan's public transportation system is extensive and efficient, making it easy for residents and visitors to navigate the city. With a network of metro lines, buses and trams, you can reach almost any destination within Milan and its surrounding areas, including the city's limited traffic zones Area C and Area B. The system is well-integrated, ensuring that transfers between different modes of transport are smooth and straightforward.
When using Milan public transport, you have several ticket options. Traditional paper tickets can be purchased at ticket machines, newsstands, and tobacconists. These include single tickets, which are valid for 90 minutes, and daily or weekly passes for unlimited travel within a specified period. Additionally, tickets can be purchased online at the ATM website or app, and there is an option to buy a booklet of 10 tickets for added convenience. Recently, the introduction of contactless payment has revolutionized the way passengers pay for their journeys, offering a more convenient and seamless option.
What is the Contactless payment?
Contactless payment allows you to use your credit card or mobile payment methods Google Pay and Apple Pay directly to pay for your public transport travel without the need to purchase physical or online tickets. This method is quick and easy, eliminating the need to buy tickets online or queue for paper tickets and ensuring you always pay the lowest fare available. By simply tapping your credit card or mobile phone or other mobile device (for mobile payments) at the special ATM readers, you can start and end your journey effortlessly.
Using Contactless Payment
Metro
Using contactless payment on Milan’s metro is straightforward. To begin your travel, tap your credit card, mobile phone or even smartwatch (for mobile payments) on the special ATM reader to open the entry gate. At the end of your travel, tap again at the special reader at the exit gate using the same credit card or mobile phone or smartwatch. If a reader is unresponsive or malfunctions, use a different one, as each station has several contactless payments readers.
Buses and Trams
For buses and trams in Milan's urban area or between Milan and Zone Mi3, you simply need to tap your card or mobile device for mobile payments when you get on. There is no need to tap out at the end of your travel, except on specific routes such as 121, 130, 140, 165, 166, and 327. When traveling beyond Milan’s urban area, it is essential to tap in and out to ensure you get the lowest rate.
Getting the Lowest Rate
To get the lowest rate when using the contactless payment, you must always use the same credit card or mobile device for mobile payments, for the entire journey, including any transfers. The system automatically assigns the daily rate cap after your fourth journey of the day, ensuring you never pay more than necessary. Consistency is key, especially if you travel frequently throughout the day.
If you forget to tap at the end of your travel, the system will apply the maximum rate, as it cannot determine your exit location. Additionally, each card or device can only be used by one passenger at a time, so make sure everyone in your group has their own payment method.
You can register on the ATM website to view all contactless payment details and track your journeys. Extra costs may be applied if the system cannot understand the exact journey, often due to not tapping out or using different devices for one trip. These extra costs can be viewed on your personal area on the ATM website or your bank statement.
Readers Malfunction
In case a gate doesn’t open, check the reader’s light, and if it’s red, try another gate or seek assistance. Each station has at least two contactless gates to facilitate smooth entry and exit. If a reader malfunctions and prevents you from tapping out, you may be eligible for a refund. Visit an ATM Service Point with your card or device and an ID card to request a refund. Staff will verify the details and process your request.
Using contactless payment in Milan's public transportation system is simple and convenient. Just remember to tap in and out correctly, use the same card or device, and check your payments online. Enjoy your hassle-free travel in Milan!