New Unified Ticket on Mallorca: Transition Started, Questions Remain

Transition to Tarjeta Única has started — but not everything is clear

Since October 1, Mallorca has begun the transition phase to the new Tarjeta Única. The goal: A card with which residents can use all public connections — SFM trains, the metro, intercity buses and Palma's city buses. Sounds practical. In reality, some aspects still feel clumsy.

I was at Plaça d’Espanya this week and spoke with commuters. Many are skeptical. “What happens to my balance on the Tarjeta Ciudadana?” was a question I heard often. Officially, the city hall says the amount will be refunded once the technical implementation is in place. That’s reassuring, but there is a lack of precise timeframes and clear instructions for everyday life.

What users should know now

A few practical points that help: the old Tarjeta Ciudadana remains valid on Palma's city buses until the 31 March. Afterwards, it should still be usable for municipal services like recycling or course registrations. Still, it's worth checking your cards now and perhaps securing credit — screenshots, receipts, brief notes. It sounds a bit like paperwork, but it’s reassuring if something goes wrong.

Anyone unsure can contact the customer centers: the Oficina de Atención al Ciudadano in Palma, the service desks at train stations, or the hotlines of TIB/EMT. In smaller towns I worry information arrives more slowly — a call or a quick visit to the town hall doesn’t hurt.

Criticism and politics

The opposition criticizes the introduction as poorly planned. Key term: communication. In conversations too, many residents miss a simple, understandable overview — FAQs, opening hours, contacts, deadlines. Politics and administrations promise improvements. Whether that happens quickly enough remains open.

For commuters and occasional riders, the idea remains good. A card for the whole island would indeed be practical. Now it comes down to the details — refunds, data migration, and above all reliable information. I will continue to monitor the development and note: a bit of patience and a few notes help more than panic right now.

My advice: Check your old card, secure balance receipts, and get informed at your local transport office. If you have a question, feel free to write to me — I’m continually hearing from the city and from the Llucmajor line. That brings clarity, piece by piece.