elektrontekort

Elektrontekort is a term used to describe an electronic travel card or stored-value card used to pay for public transport fares. It typically serves as a prepaid or pay-as-you-go credential issued by transit authorities, and may be used across buses, trams, trains, and sometimes ferries within a given network or region. The card stores value or time-based passes and is often designed to be used with contactless readers.

How it works in practice varies by system but usually involves loading credit or passes onto the card through ticket machines, online portals, or mobile apps. The user taps or swipes the card at readers on entry and/or exit, and the fare is deducted from the stored balance or validated against a time-based pass. Many elektrontekort schemes support transfers, multi-operator travel, and fare integration across modes, sometimes offering discounts for transfers or off-peak travel. Some systems can be used in conjunction with bank-issued contactless cards or smartphone wallets.

Types commonly observed include stored-value cards (pay-as-you-go), time-based passes (weekly, monthly), and hybrid models that combine both. Security and privacy considerations include loss or theft risk, the need to keep the balance topped up, and, in some cases, data collection on travel patterns. Interoperability varies by country and city; several regions operate their own electronic cards, while some support cross-border or cross-network use. Real-world examples of electronic travel card systems include Rejsekort in Denmark, SL Access in Stockholm, Oyster in London, and Navigo in Paris.