Gran Concepción begins TNE card verification for new electronic transport payments

Authorities in the Gran Concepción region of Chile have launched a verification process for the National Student Card (TNE) chips to prepare for a new electronic payment system in public transport. The initiative, led by the Bío Bío Regional Ministry of Transport and Junaeb, aims to ensure that more than 159,000 student cards are compatible with the upcoming technology.

Verification operations will be conducted directly at various higher education institutions and 24 primary and secondary schools to prevent crowding at administrative offices. Students who cannot attend these scheduled campus visits can visit the TNE office in Concepción at Avenida Chacabuco No. 524.

The transition to the new system follows a specific timeline: general public card sales are expected to begin in November, followed by a trial period (marcha blanca) between December 2026 and February 2027. The system is projected to become the exclusive method of payment by March 2027. Regional Transport Secretary Henry Campos noted that bus wiring is over 40% complete and validator installation is progressing.