Slovenia moves toward fully digital public transport ticketing system

Slovenia has taken a long-awaited step toward bringing its public transport system in line with Europe's most developed networks.

Contactless bank card payments are available from 23 February on the bus route between Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport and the Ljubljana Bus Station, a pilot that will be followed by a gradual nationwide rollout, CE Report quotes The Slovenia Times.

The new system allows passengers to pay for a ticket by tapping a contactless debit or credit card when boarding, eliminating the need for cash or pre-purchased tickets. The airport route was selected for the pilot because most travellers there buy single tickets directly from the driver, often immediately after landing.

Officials say the change will significantly speed up boarding on intercity buses, reduce delays and improve overall punctuality. It also reduces the need for drivers to handle cash, allowing them to focus on driving and assisting passengers.

According to the government, public transport can only compete with private cars if the experience is simple, fast and modern. The introduction of card payments is therefore seen as a major improvement in convenience, particularly for visitors unfamiliar with local ticketing systems.

The pilot phase on the airport route is expected to last about a month. If successful, contactless payments will be rolled out to additional intercity bus routes across Slovenia and eventually to rail services as well.

The line between the airport and the capital operates frequently - nearly 30 departures on weekdays and around half that number on weekends - making efficient boarding especially important for maintaining reliable timetables.

Traditional payment options will remain in place and cash payments are still accepted.

Broader overhaul in the works

The contactless system is part of a broader digital overhaul of the country's public transport network. Testing is also under way of mobile ticket purchases that would allow passengers to buy integrated tickets valid for both buses and trains directly on their smartphones, even shortly before departure.

In addition, a new online passenger portal is being developed to consolidate timetables, fare information, price lists and real-time vehicle tracking in a single platform.

These upgrades are already contributing to rising public transport use, according to Environment Ministry State Secretary Tina Seršen, who says passenger numbers increased by about 15% last year compared with 2023 due to service improvements.

For international travellers, the upgrade removes a common friction point when arriving in a new country: figuring out how to pay for transport.

Visitors landing at Ljubljana Airport can now board the bus to the city centre immediately, without searching for ticket machines, exchange offices or exact change.

Photo: Katja Kodba/STA