T-16: travel card application

What do you need to know?

It is a discount transport card for children from 4 to 16 years of age. It allows unlimited travel on the public transport network within the integrated fare system. It is only valid within the fare zone for the municipal district where the child holding it lives.

The integrated fare system is the way in which public transport in the majority of municipalities in Barcelona province is organised, where there are integrated fares. That is to say, a single ticket enables use of the means of transport needed to go from one place to another. 

The integrated fare system is divided into six crowns and different tariff sectors. You can consult the map of the integrated fare system. The transport that can be used is as follows: metro, bus, trams and trains (Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat and Rodalies de Catalunya).

The T-16 card is associated with a specific individual and may only be used by its holder. The card is issued in the name of the child. Children who hold a T-16 card must validate it for each journey they make when boarding public transport, and it is also compulsory for them to carry their personal identity document when they travel on public transport using the card.

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T-mobilitat

VERY IMPORTANT:

Recently, the T-16 has been integrated into the T-mobilitat, the new digital ticketing system for public transport in the Barcelona area, offering contactless travel. Support is physical (smartcard).

Only allows the T-16 pass to be topped up onto the card. Therefore, when the validity of the T-16 pass expires, the card cannot be topped up.

What requirements must be met?

It is aimed at all children who meet the following requirements:

  • Being registered as a resident in a municipality within the ATM integrated fare system.
  • Being between 4 years old already and 16 years old.
  • Having the minor’s DNI, identity number for foreign nationals (NIE) or passport or family book.

Requires both the parent/guardian and the child to register. 

How long is it valid for?

It can be applied for at any time.

With the new T-mobilitat model, there are no more renovations for the T-16. The same card will be valid up to 31 December in the year when they have their 16th birthday.

What do you need to do?

Families that have a child who meets the requirements, can apply for the T-16, preferably online, or in person.

What steps must you follow?

ONLINE:

Step 1: Go to the T-16.cat website. Fill in the T-16 application form online (only available in Catalan and Spanish), for the first card issue. Enter the data for the child who is to be the card holder, along with the name of a parent or guardian. It is necessary to attach a scanned copy of the required documentation.

Step 2: Pay the T-16 issuing fee, using a credit or debit card.

Step 3:  Once the application is completed, you will receive a confirmation email within 24 hours. 

Step 4: Between 5 and 10 business days from the application date, you will receive the T-16 card by registered post, at your home address.

IN PERSON:

Step 1: You must book an appointment at the T-mobilitat Information and Advice Centre (CAI), which is at Avinguda de la Gran Via de l’Hospitalet, 16-20. Opening times are Monday to Friday, from 8 am to 8 pm, and Saturday, Sunday and public holidays, from 9 am to 2 pm.

In fact, you need to book an appointment for issuing a T-16 card for each child, and another appointment for registering the child's parent or guardian on T-mobilitat. The child's T-16 must be linked to the responsible adult’s T-mobilitat.

Step 2: On the day of the appointment, go to the T-mobilitat Information and Advice Centre (CAI). Fill in the application form with the details of the adult and the child card holder. You must present the required documentation.

Step 3: Pay the T-16 issuing fee, in cash or with a credit or debit card.

Step 4: You will receive the child's T-16 card immediately.

Who can submit the application?

The T-16 must be applied for by the father, mother or legal guardian of the child.

What documentation is needed?

One of these documents for the card holder:

  • DNI (Spanish national identity document)
  • Identity number for foreign nationals (NIE)
  • Valid passport
  • A photocopy of the family book (including the general page, citing the registry number, and the page for the child card holder)

It is also necessary the DNI, NIE or passport of the child's parent or guardian.

The documentation must be valid.

In the case of in-person processing, the documentation must be original.

In the case of online processing, the scanned or photographed documentation must be attached.

How long does it take?

Between 5 or 10 business days from the date of the online application. 

If the T-16 application is made in person, the card is issued immediately.

What does it cost?

The T-16 card in the new T-mobilitat system costs €4.5, when it is issued for the first time.

If a duplicate in requested due to loss or poor condition (for reasons attributable to the card holder) or for some other reason, the cost is €4.5 in the T-mobilitat system. 

Want to know more?

Body responsible for the formality

Autoritat del Transport Metropolità (ATM).

Further information

You can consult the page T-16/T-mobilitat and the T-mobilitat customer support channels.

Important linked formalities

If you wish to apply for the T-16, you need the following beforehand:

IMPORTANT NOTICE

The procedures tend to change frequently. Therefore, only what is provided by the regulations in force at the time of carrying out the procedure in question is applicable.