By Mdb Digital
Copyright majorcadailybulletin
Mallorca is taking a major step towards modernising its public transport system with the launch of a single card that will integrate trains, the metro, and buses across the island. Announced recently by the Balearic Government and Palma City Council, the initiative aims to make travel simpler and more convenient from October, with fewer barriers to access and an easy-to-use top-up system.
At present, the island’s public transport system is fragmented by different ticket types, which can cause confusion for passengers. The new card will remove these barriers and provide a single solution. Current holders of the citizen card (Trajeta Ciudadana) will need to apply for the new card before the old one expires at the end of the first quarter of 2026. However, those who already hold the intermodal card can continue using it without disruption, as the new card builds directly on the existing technology.
How the New System Works
The single card will use the familiar technology of the intermodal card, which is already used by around 80% of citizen card holders, according to the Mallorca Transport Consortium. This will ensure a smooth, intuitive transition for passengers.
Unlike the previous system, where the citizen card could only be used on the metro and not on TIB buses or trains, the new card will provide seamless access to all public transport on the island.
Passengers will also benefit from the ability to top up their card online—a major improvement, as most top-ups previously had to be made in person at offices or participating shops. Digitalising the system will streamline administrative processes and encourage more people to use public transport.
The new card is part of a wider fare reform based on a model of concentric zones. The scheme is designed to reward loyalty and frequent use of public transport, while adapting fares according to distance travelled, frequency of use, special discounts, and inter-municipal agreements.
Implementation and Transition Period
The official launch of the single card is scheduled for October 2025, coinciding with the start of the final quarter of the year. However, a six-month transition period has been established, during which it will coexist with the Palma Citizen Card, the system currently in use for urban transport.
During these first six months, users holding the Citizen Card will still be able to use it to travel on Palma EMT buses, while the new Single Card gradually gains presence and acceptance.
The Councillor for Housing, Territory and Mobility, José Luis Mateo, together with Palma City Council’s Deputy Mayor for Mobility, Antonio Deudero, emphasised that this transition will allow users to adapt gradually to the innovation without losing access to services.
How and Where to Apply for the New Single Card
From October 2025, residents of Mallorca who are users of the Palma Citizen Card or who do not hold an Intermodal Card (TIB) will be able to apply for the new Single Card. This wider accessibility aims to integrate as many users as possible into a centralised system.
To facilitate the process, the Mallorca Transport Consortium has set up numerous issuing points across different municipalities on the island. It will therefore be possible to apply for the card at familiar locations such as Palma Intermodal Station, offices in Alcudia, Inca, and Manacor, as well as municipal points in Calvia, Llucmajor, and MarratxÃ.
In addition, the City Council continues to operate the EMT Customer Service offices, along with the Citizen Service Offices, where users can also complete the process in person.
This wide geographic distribution significantly improves accessibility, removing barriers for anyone wishing to obtain the card or request a replacement if necessary. One of the major innovations accompanying this initiative is the plan to promote the digitalisation of public transport in Mallorca. The Transport Consortium is currently working on developing a virtual Single Card accessible via mobile devices.
