Antofagasta transit card charge controversy

In early August 2026, commuters in Antofagasta, Chile, began reporting irregularities with the TransAntofagasta electronic fare‑card, including unexpected deductions, duplicate charges, missing top‑ups and negative balances. Losses ranged from a few hundred to over 30,000 pesos, prompting Deputy Jaime Araya (PPD) to file a formal complaint with the Contraloría General de la República and call for an audit of the contract governing the digital payment platform.

Bipay, the private operator processing the cards, issued a statement denying any improper charging mechanism. It explained that the EMV system uses a deferred‑processing model, whereby daily trips may be consolidated into one or more charges that settle overnight. Bipay attributed delayed or grouped charges to intermittent problems with an external payment processor and advised users to verify trips via its portal and dispute unrecognised transactions with their banks.

On 4 August, regional transport secretary Pablo Venandy announced coordinated investigations with Bipay to address the reported overcharges. Authorities urged users to report suspected excesses and said refunds would be pursued where appropriate. Bipay reiterated that its platform shows no evidence of fraud, emphasizing that delayed or consolidated charges are normal system behaviour. Both the transport authority and Bipay continue to provide channels for users to verify payments and lodge complaints.