Switchio is helping to transform public transport in Slovenia through open-loop contactless ticketing. This innovation brings seamless, card-based payments to more cities. As a result, it is attracting a new generation of riders.
Slovenia is rapidly modernizing its public transport system with the rollout of open-loop ticketing in Ljubljana, Koper, Piran, and now Maribor. Passengers can now pay for their journeys using contactless bank cards, mobile wallets, or wearables, offering a fast, simple, and cashless travel experience.
Switchio’s EMV-based platform was originally developed for LPP, the public transport operator. The project involved close collaboration with NLB as the acquiring bank, Bankart as the payment processor, and Margento, an Enghouse Company, as the system integrator.
Building on this foundation, the solution was later adapted for other projects. These were carried out in cooperation with additional local stakeholders, including banks such as OTP and transport operators like Arriva and Marprom.
Simplicity That Attracts New Riders in capital city Ljubljana
The open-loop system is designed to remove friction for both regular and occasional passengers, especially those deterred by the need to install apps or navigate complex fare systems. According to Rok Vihar, Deputy CEO at LPP, this has been a breakthrough moment:
This new open-loop payment system is a game-changer, particularly for occasional users. It’s intuitive, seamless, and moreover we’ve already seen an increase in ridership since its launch. Many passengers just want to board the bus—no app, no complexity.”
Vihar also highlighted the exceptional speed and quality of the rollout:
The technology was custom-developed for us by the Slovenian company Margento, and the entire rollout exceeded our expectations. From day one, the system performed flawlessly, with very few declined transactions. Honestly, we were surprised by how well it worked and in hindsight, we wish we had done this four years ago.
Maribor Becomes the Fourth City to Join the Open-Loop Network
After the successful launches in Ljubljana, Koper, and Piran, Maribor became the fourth Slovenian city to roll out open-loop ticketing earlier this year. The deployment brought 75 validators and 4 ticket inspectors into service, ensuring complete network coverage. Integration was led by Margento, an Enghouse Company, with Bankart and OTP overseeing payment processing.
Each new city allows us to further refine the system for an even more seamless and efficient passenger experience. With Maribor joining the network, we are taking another pivotal step in advancing urban mobility. This transformation has already taken place in major cities around the world. It brings greater convenience, improved speed, and enhanced reliability to public transport.
said Mario Pirtovšek from Margento, an Enghouse Company.
Slovenia is demonstrating how open-loop ticketing can modernize public transport while keeping it accessible for all passengers.
said Veronika Zeinerová, transport expert at Switchio.
With EMV-based payments, transit networks can offer a flexible, secure, and also user-friendly solution.
The expansion of EMV-based contactless fare collection in Slovenia not only improves efficiency but also positions the country as a regional leader in public transport innovation.
