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In September 2009, monthly passes, tokens and cash (all possible means of payment on Ljubljana city buses) were replaced by the Urbana card. While the monthly passes were replaced immediately, tokens were still accepted until January of this year and coins until May. Now, all city buses are equipped with an electronic payment system based on the Urbana no-contact smart card.

The initial fee for an empty card is two euros, which can be topped up with any sum between EUR 1 and 50. The card can be bought at practically all tobacco shops, kiosks, in tourist information centres and at Urbanomats, which work 24/7 and are mostly at major bus stops throughout Ljubljana. All points where Urbana can be purchased and topped-up are marked with a red round logo.

There Are No Cons

With the decision to upgrade the system, the method of payment has become quick and convenient. Significantly, it grants you the possibility of changing buses within 90 minutes of the payment of the first journey, at no additional change. Furthermore, you can use Urbana not only for your rides but also for your friends; just ask the driver, who will choose the number of rides you wish to purchase on the terminal and the correct amount of money will then be withdrawn from your smart card. If, by any chance you do not have a card or it has run empty, you can pay for your ride with a mobile phone. The only downside of this alternative is that it does not allow you to transfer free of charge and that only local people can use their cell phones.

Another plus of the card are all the extra options it will bring to its owner. The original plan was to use just one card for public transportation, city-run parking lots, a funicular ride to the Ljubljana castle and even for the library services. In addition, a larger expansion is predicted in the future by using the card for paying for visiting museums and sport events, cultural events and perhaps even turning Urbana into a common ticket for public transport throughout the Republic of Slovenia.

The Urbana Tourist Card

In addition to the Urbana value card (yellow, without the name of the holder and transferable) and the Urbana time card (green, issued with the name of the holder and not transferable), the Urbana tourist card will now replace the "Ljubljana Card". It will be valid for 24, 48 or 72 hours, during which its user will have access to Ljubljana's most interesting cultural and tourist attractions, including city buses, tourist trains and boats, the funicular ride to the Ljubljana castle, entrance to the castle tower and guided tours of the castle, the Virtual Museum and the exhibition on Slovene history (both at the castle), bike rental, entrance to Ljubljana's galleries and museums, entry to the Zoo and the Arboretum, guided city tours, a digital guide rental and free access to the Internet.

The new card is expected to be available in July, when it will be sold in tourist information centres and hotel reception desks.