Public Transport | Starting Monday, March 16, TPL Linea will implement a new regional electronic ticketing system across parts of the Savona province in Liguria. This initiative, part of the broader LiguriaGO project, aims to simplify and modernize the purchase and validation of bus tickets within the region.
The rollout begins in the western area of Savona, covering municipalities from Andora to Ceriale, including both coastal and inland zones. The service will gradually extend to the entire province, with full implementation expected by Easter.
Central to the new system are three main tools designed to enhance passenger convenience. First, the LiguriaGO PASS—a personal smart card embedded with a microchip—will replace traditional paper subscriptions for monthly, annual, and student passes. The card, purchased for a one-time fee of five euros, can be recharged at TPL Linea ticket offices and authorized retailers.
Second, the LiguriaGO FLEX card serves as a reusable, non-personal chip-enabled ticket for single rides, multi-ride booklets, and 24-hour passes. This card, available for one euro, can be topped up at designated ticket offices and certified vendors. It allows users to validate tickets electronically by tapping the card on new on-board validators.
Third, the LiguriaGO TAP system facilitates the purchase of daily tickets directly on the bus without additional fees. Passengers can simply tap a contactless credit card or a smartphone or smartwatch wallet on the electronic validator to complete the transaction.
Despite the introduction of electronic options, cash payments for single-ride tickets will remain available through bus drivers, albeit at a higher fare. Digital tickets can also be acquired via the Money Go app. Existing paper tickets will continue to be accepted until stocks run out, with passengers able to validate them using traditional machines on board.
During the initial phase, TPL staff will be present at key stops and on buses to assist passengers with the new technology. Additional guidance materials will be accessible at stops, on vehicles, and through the dedicated website. Customer support is available via a toll-free number and email.
Several authorized retail points have been designated for card purchases and recharges, spanning multiple towns including Alassio, Albenga, Ceriale, Cisano sul Neva, Laigueglia, and Andora.
The lines involved in this first stage of electronic ticketing include routes 40, 70, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 91, 92, 93, 97, 99, and 100. Municipalities covered in this phase encompass a mix of coastal and inland communities such as Ceriale, Albenga, Andora, and Laigueglia among others.
TPL Linea’s leadership highlighted the significance of this deployment. President Vincenzo Franceri and General Manager Giampaolo Rossi noted that the system aims to offer a more accessible and modern transit experience that aligns with the expectations of both local residents and tourists familiar with similar technologies abroad. They emphasized that this launch marks the beginning of a province-wide transition and acknowledged the investments made to improve service quality, including digital operational management, customer relationship systems, and real-time vehicle tracking.
(effe / Red. Corsara)