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Madrid Metro introduces contactless payment system
New functionality allows users to bypass ticket purchases and access the network more efficiently, helping reduce waiting times, particularly during peak hours.
At a glance
Who: Metro de Madrid; JCB.
What: Metro de Madrid has rolled out JCB Contactless across its extensive network of 303 stations, enabling card members to access the metro network with a simple tap of their card or mobile device.
Why: It forms part of the operator’s broader modernisation efforts to improve passenger flow and overall accessibility.
When: The service has been available from June 2026 onwards.
Spanish rapid transit system Metro de Madrid has rolled out JCB Contactless across its network of 303 stations, enabling card members to access the metro network with a tap of their card or mobile device.
The deployment forms part of the operator’s broader modernisation efforts to improve passenger flow and overall accessibility.
Contactless-enabled cards
From June 2026, passengers can enter metro stations by tapping their contactless-enabled JCB Cards or mobile wallets directly at fare gates. While card payments have already been available at metro station ticket machines, this new functionality allows users to bypass ticket purchases and access the network more efficiently, helping to reduce waiting times, particularly during peak hours, by tapping directly at fare gates.
The solution is supported by upgraded gate infrastructure, including EMV-enabled readers that allow secure contactless transactions with international payment cards and mobile devices.
“Enabling JCB Contactless on Metro de Madrid represents an important step in expanding everyday acceptance for our cardmembers across Europe”
The introduction of JCB Contactless at fare gates enhances accessibility for international travellers, including JCB card members visiting Madrid, by enabling direct and familiar access to public transportation without the need to purchase tickets in advance.
This development also reflects the growing global trend of contactless transit payments in major metropolitan areas, according to JCB, supporting its continued expansion in Europe and its commitment to improving payment convenience for its more than 181 million cardmembers worldwide.
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“Enabling JCB Contactless on Metro de Madrid represents an important step in expanding everyday acceptance for our card members across Europe. Public transportation is a key touchpoint for international travellers, and by allowing passengers to simply tap and travel, this rollout makes the metro network more accessible and efficient, particularly during busy periods,” said Ray Shinzawa, managing director, JCB Europe.
“As more cities adopt contactless transit solutions, we will continue to strengthen our acceptance network to deliver seamless and convenient payment experiences for our card members worldwide.”
Japanese payment solution provider JCB launched its card business in Japan in 1961 and began expanding worldwide in 1981. Its acceptance network includes about 72 million merchants around the world.
JCB reports its cards are issued mainly in Asian countries and territories, with more than 181 million card members. As part of its international growth strategy, JCB has formed alliances with hundreds of leading banks and financial institutions globally to increase its merchant coverage and card member base.
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How will JCB contactless integration reduce Metro de Madrid wait times?What gate infrastructure upgrades enable secure EMV contactless transactions?How does mobile wallet support improve accessibility for international travellers?What metrics should measure passenger flow improvements after rollout?How can Metro de Madrid scale contactless acceptance across future stations?Latest City Profile
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