Starting this month, public transport users in Argentina will have access to a higher negative balance on their SUBE Card, allowing them to travel even when they run out of credit. This update, introduced by the Secretariat of Transportation, primarily benefits passengers in the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Area (AMBA).

How Much Is the New Negative Balance for Buses?

As of February 2025, the negative balance available on the SUBE Card for bus travel is $1,200. This means passengers can continue using public transport without an immediate top-up until they reach this limit.

Previously, the negative balance was $480 until December 2024. With the new policy, the emergency credit has increased by 150%, ensuring that millions of users can still access transport even when they can’t recharge their card right away.

This benefit is automatic—when a card’s balance reaches zero, the negative balance is activated. The used amount is deducted from the next recharge made by the passenger.

Why Is the Negative Balance Important?

The emergency credit on the SUBE Card allows users to continue traveling when they are unable to recharge immediately. This is especially helpful in situations where:

  • No nearby recharge points or ATMs are available.
  • There is no internet access for mobile top-ups.
  • Fare increases occur unexpectedly, and passengers need time to adjust.

Negative Balance for Subways and Trains

The updated negative balance varies depending on the mode of transport:

  • $1,200 for Buenos Aires subways and river transport in the Delta.
  • $650 for AMBA train lines (Mitre, Sarmiento, Roca, San Martín, Belgrano Norte and Sur, plus the Tren del Valle in Neuquén).
  • $480 for the Urquiza train line (until system upgrades are completed).

These differences account for variations in fare structures and technical system adjustments.

How to Recharge Your SUBE Card

To continue using the negative balance, passengers must top up their card and validate the credit. The available methods include:

  1. Cash Top-Ups:
    • Available at kiosks, train and subway stations, lottery agencies, and other authorized points.
    • Users must validate the recharge at an automatic terminal.
  2. Electronic Top-Ups:
    • Recharge through mobile apps and online banking, including:
      • Mercado Pago
      • Ualá
      • Banco Nación (BNA+) wallet
      • Online banking of participating banks
  3. Balance Validation:
    • At automatic terminals in train and subway stations.
    • Using the Carga SUBE app on NFC-compatible smartphones to validate the recharge instantly.

The increase in the negative balance to $1,200 for buses, along with differentiated amounts for trains and subways, aims to improve daily mobility for public transport users. By ensuring passengers can continue traveling even in emergencies, this measure supports those who rely on the SUBE Card, particularly in the AMBA region.

To make the most of this benefit, users should familiarize themselves with the available top-up and validation options, avoiding last-minute inconveniences when commuting.

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