Madrid limits public‑transport card issuance to residents, affecting 200,000 users

From 15 June, the Community of Madrid will require a certificate of residence to issue or renew the Personal Public‑Transport Card (TTP). The rule applies to applicants residing in any Madrid municipality or in the E1 and E2 tariff zones of Castilla‑La Mancha and the territories of Castilla‑León covered by existing agreements. Both new cards and renewals are subject to the requirement, although existing cards remain valid until their next renewal.

The change will impact more than 200 000 users – about 3.4 % of all cardholders – most of whom are young foreign residents or students who previously could obtain the card with only a passport. Holders of a family‑large card are exempted. The regional government says the measure ensures subsidies go to genuine residents and curbs fraud, but migrant‑support groups warn that the short notice may leave many users without affordable transport.

The policy was announced by the Madrid Regional Transport Consortium and published in the Official Gazette of the Community of Madrid.