Slovenia is proving that modernizing public transport doesn’t have to be complicated. With Switchio by Monet+, cities are adopting a smoother, ticket-free, app-free payment experience — one that fits seamlessly into how people already pay for things today.
Through open-loop ticketing, passengers can simply tap their usual debit card, smartphone, or smartwatch. No need to buy a dedicated travel card or install a new app. It’s all powered by EMV technology, the global standard for secure card-based transactions.
Slovenia Moves First
Slovenia has become a strong example of how cities can implement contactless ticketing in real life. The first deployment took place in Ljubljana (with transport operator LPP), in partnership with NLB Bank, Bankart d.o.o., and system integrator Margento.
The success in the capital led to further rollouts in Koper, Piran, and most recently Maribor — each time building on collaboration with partners like Arriva, Marprom, and OTP Banka Slovenija.
Simple. Secure. Adaptable.
Switchio’s solution is built on the EMV standard, making transactions not only secure but also highly adaptable to the rules and fare models of each city. It supports custom fare logic, real-time validation, and ensures reliable operation across the board.
“This new open-loop system is a real game-changer, especially for occasional riders. It’s intuitive and seamless — and we’re already seeing more people using public transport. The technology was tailor-made and the rollout went smoothly. Honestly, we wish we had launched it four years earlier,” says Rok Vihar, Deputy CEO, of LPP.
Maribor: A New Chapter
In Maribor, the system includes 75 validators and 4 handheld inspection devices, covering the entire city network. The launch again relied on cooperation with Bankart and OTP, and technical delivery from Margento.
“Every new city gives us a chance to improve the system further. The Maribor project brought us one step closer to the level of mobility we see in leading European capitals,” says Mario Pirtovšek, Margento.
What Does Our Team Think?
“Slovenia is a perfect case of how open-loop payments can modernize transport while staying accessible to everyone,” says Veronika Zeinerová, Project Manager at Switchio.
