From January 1, 2026, traditional paper tickets on Milan’s public transport will become a thing of the past. After more than a year of coexistence with the new system, the rechargeable RicaricaMi card will be the only valid ticket for metro, tram, and bus rides.

According to La Repubblica, the old ticket slots at turnstiles will be removed, and disposable paper tickets will no longer be sold or accepted. Those still holding paper tickets can exchange them for RicaricaMi at the ATM Points at Duomo, Centrale, and Cadorna until June 30, 2026, retaining their full value.

RicaricaMi is a reusable electronic card that allows multiple rides and can be validated simply by tapping it on readers. While not registered to a specific user, it must be used personally and cannot be shared for the same journey. Top-ups are free and available at station machines, tobacconists, and newsstands, making access faster and more convenient.

Milan joins the ranks of global cities moving away from paper. From December 31, New York will retire its MetroCard in favor of the Omny contactless system. The shift signals a commitment to more efficient, sustainable, and digitally integrated public transport.