Passengers in Athens will be able to cnange their paper tickets for smart cards similar to those used on public transport systems in other European cities in December 2016.

The Athens Urban Transport Organization on Monday signed a contract with the LG-Terna consortium for the provision of the new system, which will see commutors on all modes of transport use cards that can be swiped over electronic readers.

Commuters will be able to load credit onto their contactless smart cards ahead of their trips or pay for specific fares, including weekly or monthly travelcards. New ticket machines will be installed at stations, where passengers will have to swipe their cards when they leave as well as on entry, and on board buses, trolley buses and trams.