Île-de-France transport: buses to abandon cardboard tickets in May 2026
The cardboard ticket is living out its final months on Ile-de-France buses. According to Île-de-France Mobilités, on-board sales will cease in May 2026. This transition is being prepared now, with simpler payment options.
Changes between now and May 2026
Drivers will be issuing fewer tickets in the meantime. In fact, new bank-operated validators are becoming widespread on buses. A simple contactless payment will suffice for a journey.
At the same time, ticket offices and vending machines will remain open for recharging cards. On the other hand, the cardboard ticket sold on board will gradually disappear from use. The teams atÎle-de-France Mobilités teams are monitoring the situation on the ground.
Mobile apps are also gaining ground. You can now buy and validate a ticket from your smartphone. However, the Navigo card remains the most widespread solution.
“The transition must be simple for everyone, without leaving anyone by the wayside.”
Why this decision now?
Production and fraud costs weigh heavily on the network. As a result, the end of the on-board cardboard ticket reduces losses and queues. Purchasing becomes faster and safer.
Buses also need to become more regular. Fewer sales at the wheel saves precious minutes. What’s more, the driver can concentrate on driving.
- Confirmed timetable: end of on-board sales in May 2026
- Contactless payment by credit card on bus validators
- Purchases and validations possible via smartphone, depending on equipment
- Navigo cards for refills at ticket offices, ATMs or retailers
- Passenger information and support during the transition
What solutions are there for travellers without smartphones?
No mobile or bank account? Other options are available, even without a connection. Cardboard tickets are giving way to simple, reusable media.
The Navigo Easy card can be used to buy single tickets. It can be topped up at stations, ticket counters or retailers. What’s more, it’s ideal for occasional use.
The Liberté+ service debits journeys at the end of the month. As a result, you avoid queues and pay the right price. In short, the system is ideal for irregular users.
What’s new on buses
On board, CB validators arrive near the doors. This means you can approach your card to pay, without having to speak to the driver. The cardboard ticket will no longer be part of the journey.
Controls remain the same, with digital receipts. Cash purchases, on the other hand, are tending to disappear. Information messages will therefore be reinforced.
Dates, territories and players
The announced milestone is May 2026. Between now and then, RATP and private operators will deploy the equipment on all lines. The cardboard ticket will then no longer be offered on board.
The timetable may change locally depending on the bus. However, the objective remains clear at regional level. Each depot is planning its own installations and tests.
Information campaigns will accompany each stage. As a result, regular travelers and visitors won’t be left to their own devices. In short, the end of the cardboard ticket will be achieved with legible solutions.
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