Antofagasta digital transit card system hit by widespread irregular charge scandal

Dozens of commuters in Antofagasta, Chile, have reported unexpected deductions, duplicate charges, missing top‑ups and even negative balances on the TransAntofagasta electronic card. Reported losses range from a few hundred pesos to more than 30,000 pesos, with some users saying the system charged multiple times for a single ride or deducted money on days they did not travel.

The complaints prompted independent deputy Jaime Araya (PPD) to file a formal complaint with the Contraloría General de la República, demanding an audit of the contract that runs the digital payment platform. Araya called the phenomenon a “robo hormiga” and urged the Ministry of Transport and Telecommunications to intervene and restore oversight.

The issue has eroded confidence in the city’s digitalisation effort, highlighting gaps in control of the private operators that manage the fare‑collection system and raising concerns about the financial impact on low‑income commuters.