About SBME, the managing system for tickets and electronic cards
SBME - Sistema Bigliettazione Magnetica Elettronica - Magnetic and Electronic Ticketing System
Magnetic Tickets
Electronic Cards
What is SBME?
This is the system used by ATM to manage tickets and travel cards, based on magnetic tickets and electronic cards which are gradually replacing the old paper tickets.
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What are the system’s benefits?
This system allows us to improve the quality of service by offering access to an integrated transport and parking system jointly managed by ATM, LeNORD and Trenitalia using a single support; this also makes the pricing system more transparent and easy to use. The management of tickets and travel cards makes use of an information system allowing us to collect data; once processed, these help us to improve our service.
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Magnetic Tickets
What is a magnetic ticket?
Magnetic tickets are used to travel on all ATM vehicles. Various types of ticket are available; depending on the price, these are valid for one or more journeys on the ATM Milan network and the Milan leg of intercity routes, on the Trenitalia and LeNORD networks within Milan and on the Passante Ferroviario rail line.
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Where can I buy magnetic tickets?
Magnetic tickets are sold at ATM Points, authorized outlets and ticket machines in underground stations.
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What is a paper ticket? How do I use it?
The Paper ticket is the type of ticket used before the introduction of the SBME system. Currently, paper tickets may be in use on some routes. On every ATM mean you will find the "old" stamping machine, dedicated to paper tickets.
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How do I use my magnetic ticket?
On the underground and on the Trenitalia and LeNORD network within Milan
You should stamp your ticket as you enter by inserting it into the slot in the stamping machine; the ticket will be returned to you and the turnstile will open.
On surface buses, trams and trolley-buses
You should insert your ticket into the upper slot in the stamping machine; a green light will appear and the machine will beep if the ticket is valid for travel. If your ticket is not valid, a red light will appear and a message will be shown on the display telling you the reason for the problem. If you have a paper ticket you can stamp it into the paper ticket machine, that you can find on board all vehicles and in the underground; you can use the paper ticket without restamping it every time you transfer to another vehicle equipped with a magnetic stamping machine.
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What should I do if the stamping machine does not accept my magnetic ticket?
Magnetic tickets which are still valid or which have not been used up (carnet of 10 tickets, weekly 2x6, BI4) and which are still valid, for which the stamping machine display shows “Titolo non corretto” (Incorrect ticket), can be replaced at ATM Points or by Station Operators.
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Electronic Cards
Where can I request an electronic card?
Electronic cards can be requested at ATM Points and all authorized outlets. To obtain your card you will need: a passport photograph, valid ID and your Italian social security number. You will also need to fill out a form which you can obtain when you make your request.
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Where can I request RIcaricaMI?
RIcaricaMi is available at ATM Points and all authorized outlets.
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Where can I “charge” my electronic card?
Electronic cards are valid for 4 years; you can charge cards at the automatic ticket machines in the underground, at ATM Points and authorized outlets.
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What is the deadline for recharging my card with a monthly standard or student travel card?
Monthly standard or student travel cards can be purchased up to the 14th of the month covered by the travel card.
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Can I charge my electronic card in advance?
If your electronic card is associated with a weekly or monthly travel card contract you can purchase the same type of travel card only for the following four weeks or months. If you wish to change the type of travel card you purchase you must wait until the old travel card has expired.
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How do I use my electronic card?
You should swipe your card on the electronic card readers found on board surface vehicles and at the entrance barriers in underground stations when you start your journey and every time you change vehicles. If you board a vehicle without an electronic card reader you will not need to swipe. At the request, you will show to ticket inspector the coupon or the receipt for charging your card: we recommend that you store these with care and keep them with you at all times when you travel.
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What should I do if my electronic card is stolen or lost?
To obtain a replacement card please go to an ATM Point with valid ID. If your card is stolen you should present a police report; if you lose your card you will need to fill in the lost card declaration form, available at ATM Points.
In both cases there is a charge of € 15 for the issue of a replacement card.
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