Barcelona Metro’s familiar red ticket vending machines, which have served commuters for over two decades, are set for a complete overhaul. Operator Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona (TMB) has confirmed it will replace all 761 existing machines with a new generation of advanced, user-friendly models. This phased rollout is scheduled for completion by the end of 2028.

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TMB is retiring the current machines, in service since 2004, as part of a major modernisation drive. This initiative follows the network-wide adoption of the contactless T-Mobilitat system. Backed by a minimum investment of €19.2 million, the replacement programme will see up to 397 new machines installed across the city’s 126 conventional metro stations.

As local outlet Metrópoli Abierta first reported, preliminary work is already underway, with TMB removing disused and stored units since February. However, passengers will begin to see changes from October 2026, when TMB plans to launch a month-long pilot programme. The full-scale replacement process will then commence in January 2027, continuing for nearly two years.

A New Generation of Machines

TMB will introduce two distinct machine types to cater to different passenger needs. The primary model, the DAC (Distribuidoras Automáticas Completas), will be a full-service unit, while the second, more streamlined DAB (Distribuidoras Automáticas Básicas) version will offer core functions.

Key differences between the two include:

  • Payments: The complete DAC machines will accept both cash and card payments, while the basic DAB units will be entirely cashless.
  • T-Mobilitat Cards: Only the DAC machines will be able to issue the hard plastic T-Mobilitat cards directly.
  • Displays: The full-service units will feature larger 21-inch screens, compared to the 19-inch screens on the basic models.

While TMB has not yet officially revealed the new design, reports suggest a modern aesthetic. This includes a horizontal light at the top to indicate operational status: green for fully functional, orange for a partial fault, and red for out of service. Additionally, LED lighting will improve visibility in low-light conditions.

Enhanced Features and Accessibility

This upgrade is more than just a hardware refresh. The new machines will introduce a raft of features designed to improve the passenger experience, with a strong focus on accessibility and digital integration.

A standout feature includes a camera to facilitate video calls with TMB customer service agents for real-time assistance. Furthermore, for those unsure which ticket to purchase, an interactive on-screen questionnaire will recommend the most suitable and cost-effective option.

Other key upgrades include:

  • Digital Ticketing: Passengers can have tickets issued as QR codes sent directly to their email.
  • Expanded Payments: In addition to standardising contactless card, mobile, and smartwatch payments, the machines will incorporate other digital methods like Bizum.
  • Accessibility: The units will be fully adapted for wheelchair users and include features for visually and hearing-impaired passengers, such as voice commands, a private audio jack, and inductive loops for hearing aids.
  • Multilingual Support: Initially available in Catalan, Spanish, English, and French, with the potential for more languages to be added via artificial intelligence.
  • Additional Services: Users will be able to pay fines using a new QR and barcode scanner, apply discounts for subsidised tickets, and receive both paper and electronic invoices.

The screen will also display public service information, including system-wide travel alerts and commercial advertising.

This investment in passenger-facing technology aligns with TMB’s broader efforts to improve the metro system. For instance, the operator also plans to increase the metro’s cleaning budget to cope with record ridership. The upgrade is part of a wider push to modernise public transport in the region, which has also seen initiatives like compensation schemes for Rodalies train commuters. By the end of 2028, these new machines promise a more efficient, inclusive, and streamlined ticketing experience for the millions of residents and tourists who rely on the Barcelona Metro every day.