OVchipkaarts

The OV-chipkaart is a reloadable public transport smart card used in the Netherlands. It serves as a digital replacement for paper tickets and allows travelers to check in and out of their journeys across various public transport operators. The system is managed by Trans Link Systems.

There are several types of OV-chipkaarts. The anonymous OV-chipkaart can be purchased by anyone and is not linked to a specific individual. Personal OV-chipkaarts are registered to an individual and can be used to store subscriptions, discounts, and allow for product stacking. Business OV-chipkaarts are intended for employees of companies. Youth and senior discounts are also available through personal cards.

To use the OV-chipkaart, travelers must check in by holding their card to a reader at the start of their journey and check out by doing the same at the end. The fare is then automatically calculated and deducted from the card's balance or billed to the associated account. If a traveler forgets to check out, they will be charged the maximum fare for the route.

The OV-chipkaart is valid on trains operated by Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS), as well as on trams, buses, and metros operated by regional transport companies and some private operators. The system aims to simplify public transport usage and provide a more efficient and sustainable ticketing solution.