TRAM payment shake-up: Marina Alta passengers will soon be able to pay by card or mobile

Travelling on the TRAM d’Alacant is set to become more convenient for passengers across the Marina Alta, with a major technology upgrade bringing new ways to pay, validate tickets and access stations.

Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat Valenciana (FGV) is investing more than €6.8 million in the overhaul, which will replace outdated ticketing and access equipment across the network.

The changes will affect passengers using the TRAM in the Marina Alta, including those travelling through Calpe, Teulada, Benissa and Gata de Gorgos.

Contactless payments coming to the TRAM

One of the biggest changes will be the introduction of contactless bank card payments.

New equipment will allow passengers to use compatible bank cards when travelling, giving commuters and visitors another option alongside existing ticketing methods.

The technology is part of a wider modernisation programme designed to bring the TRAM’s payment and validation systems up to date after some of the current equipment became technologically outdated.

For occasional passengers and tourists, the change could make using the railway considerably simpler by reducing the need to rely on traditional ticket-purchasing methods.

Mobile phones and QR codes

Passengers will also be able to use QR codes as part of the upgraded system.

The codes can be displayed either on paper or directly from a mobile phone, meaning travellers will have greater flexibility when buying and validating their tickets.

The new technology will be incorporated into equipment used at TRAM stations and stops, expanding the ways passengers can access and validate their transport tickets.

New equipment across the Marina Alta

The investment comes through a contract put out to tender by FGV worth €6,841,042.

It has been divided into two lots covering the renewal of both the software and hardware behind the network’s existing fare and access systems.

As well as introducing new payment technology, the work will replace components that are reaching the end of their technological lifespan.

The aim is to improve the performance and reliability of the machines used by passengers while bringing the network’s ticketing infrastructure in line with newer technology.

Accessibility improvements included

The project is not only focused on payment technology.

FGV is also planning improvements aimed at making the equipment easier to use for people with reduced mobility.

Special-width access points designed for passengers with reduced mobility will be upgraded as part of the work.

The new systems will also feature a redesigned graphical interface and acoustic messages, providing additional assistance for passengers using the machines.

For passengers across the Marina Alta, the project therefore promises more than simply a new way to pay. It represents a wider overhaul of the technology used to buy and validate tickets, access the TRAM and interact with its ticketing equipment.

The €6.8 million investment is set to bring the railway’s systems into a more modern era, with contactless cards, mobile QR codes and accessibility improvements among the key changes.