Palma eases access to the new Tarjeta Única at the Intermodal Station

Palma eases access to the new Tarjeta Única at the Intermodal Station

More counters, more appointments — a smoother start to the transition month

In the morning, when buses honk outside the Estación Intermodal and the corner fills with the smell of freshly baked ensaimada, you notice how important mobility is for everyday life in Mallorca. From now on, waiting in line for the new Tarjeta Única should be less stressful: the number of issuing counters at Palma's central bus and rail hub has been increased from five to ten.

What this means in practical terms: roughly 400 additional appointment slots are added each day, more than 5,000 per week. For people who regularly commute between city buses, interurban lines, the metro and trains, this means shorter waiting times and less crowding during peak hours. The new capacity is available Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 20:00 and on Saturdays from 9:00 to 19:00 — opening hours that suit many workers.

The technical change is not just a local detail: from April the previous grey Tarjeta Ciudadana will lose its validity as a ticket. The new Tarjeta Única replaces it and works not only for EMT buses in Palma but also for interurban services, the metro and rail. The goal is clear: a unified ticket that makes transfers easier. For further analysis see Tarjeta Única in Mallorca: Relief with Pitfalls.

Important for some passengers: those who already have a TIB card do not need to apply for a new one. Authorities have ramped up the process since October — more than 63,500 Tarjeta Única cards have already been issued. Coverage of the early transition is available in Tarjeta Única in Mallorca: Transition started — relief or new hurdles?.

On the street you can feel the relief. Gone are the scenes of people waiting at the issuing window with heavy shopping bags, or the strained faces on a rainy weekday. The extra space at the counters feels almost like a small victory over the morning stress — at least for those who now make their appointment.

Why is this good for Mallorca? A unified fare system reduces barriers: commuters save time, tourists find it easier to get around, and public transport becomes more attractive than cars. Less time at counters also means fewer crowds at the station, which immediately changes the city's daily picture — room for the hurried, space for conversation on the way to work.

A few practical tips for everyday life: those planning to get their card should attend their appointment at the Intermodal directly — mornings are often quieter — and have the usual ID ready. Workers who start their weekday in Palma benefit from the evening hours up to 20:00. And if you already have a TIB card: breathe easy, do nothing.

The increase in counters is not a glamorous coup, but a tangible service improvement. When fewer people wander through the hall with questioning looks on a Tuesday noon, you notice: small organizational steps can improve everyday life. For an island that lives from traffic and social interaction, that's what counts.

Outlook: when the new card finally replaces the old one in April, the extra capacity at the Intermodal should help make the transition calm. And who knows — maybe there's still time for an espresso on the Plaça after the trip to the authority before continuing by metro or bus.