T-16: card application
What do you need to know?
It is a 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).
VERY IMPORTANT:
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 and with their identity number.
Children with a T-16 card must always put it into the ticket checking machine when accessing public transport, and it is also compulsory for them to carry their personal identity document when they travel on public transport using the card.
Since June 2022, the T-16 has been integrated into the T-mobilitat, in the fare zone 1. The other zones will be integrated progressively on T-Mobilitat.
T-mobilitat is the new digital ticketing system for public transport in the Barcelona area, offering contactless travel and improvements in terms of use, service, and information.
It allows you to have the transport tickets in a unique and permanent support. Support can be physical (rechargeable smartcard) or virtual (mobile phone).
Who does it apply to?
It is aimed at all children between 4 and 16 years of age who are registered as resident in any of the municipalities included within the integrated fare system.
What requirements must be met?
- Being registered as a resident in a municipality within the ATM integrated fare system.
- Being between 4 and 16 years of age (up to 31 December in the year when they have their 16th birthday).
- Having the minor’s DNI, identity number for foreign nationals (NIE) or passport or family book.
How long is it valid for?
It can be applied for at any time.
The card’s period of validity will coincide with the child’s birthday. A new card will be created automatically, free of charge, when the old one expires, until the child has their 16th birthday.
What do you need to do?
Families that have a child who meets the requirements and lives in a municipality within Zone 1 of the integrated tariff system, 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: Within a period of 30 days following 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 between 4 and 16 years of age.
The application may be processed from 30 days before the minor has their 4th birthday.
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 to attach a scanned copy of the DNI, NIE or passport of the child's parent or guardian.
How long does it take?
Within a period of thirty days from the date of the online application. For applications processed during the months of July and August, the issuing period for the card is longer than normal.
If the T-16 application is made in person, the card is issued immediately.
What does it cost?
For children who are residents in one of the 18 municipalities within the Zone 1 tariff area, 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. If you had a T-16 with the conventional magnetic stripe system (prior to June 2022), the cost of a duplicate is €35.
The T-16 may be renewed without charge, automatically until 31 December of the year in which the child celebrates their 16th birthday.
Want to know more?
Body responsible for the formality
Further information
You can consult the ATM website dedicated to the T-16 (available in Catalan and Spanish).
Important linked formalities
If you wish to apply for the T-16, you need the following beforehand:
- Identification number which, depending on the case, can be acquired via:
- Registration in the municipal register of residents of the city of Barcelona