People with disabilities: the physical CUD remains in force and they remember how to report violations

Starting on Friday, June 19, individuals with disabilities in Argentina gained access to a new benefit allowing them to travel free of charge using their SUBE card without needing to present the physical Certificate of Unique Disability (CUD). This change marks a significant shift in how public transportation accessibility is managed for this group. The initiative was announced earlier in April and has now been implemented through collaboration between the Ministry of Health, the Secretariat of Transport under the Ministry of Economy, and SUBE, the national integrated payment system for public transport.

The new policy provides a 100% discount on trips taken on national jurisdiction buses and railway services. This means users can travel on buses and trains without paying any fare, eliminating the need to show a physical certificate when boarding. The primary goal of this measure is to simplify access to free public transport for people with disabilities. According to official information, the new system protects user data, reduces paper usage which could lead to fraud, and improves operational conditions for drivers and operators.

To take advantage of this benefit, individuals must link their CUD to a registered SUBE card. This process allows them to use the card for free travel on both buses and trains. For daily use, procedures vary depending on the mode of transport. On buses, passengers inform the driver of their destination and place the card against the validator until the operation is confirmed. For trains, users place the card on the gate at the start of the journey for check-in and repeat the action at the end of the trip for check-out. If traveling with an accompanying person, both must perform the procedure to register each passage in the system.

This initiative is part of a broader effort to modernize public transportation, initiated recently with the introduction of diverse payment methods. Officials aim to integrate tools that enhance efficiency, reduce administrative burdens for users, and ensure assistance reaches the intended sectors. Implementation is happening gradually and coordinated within the Greater Buenos Aires area and national jurisdictions, with plans to expand coverage progressively across the country.

Despite the new option, the physical CUD remains fully valid nationwide. The government clarified that linking the CUD to a SUBE card is optional and does not replace the use of the physical certificate but serves as an additional alternative. Both the physical certificate and the digital linkage through SUBE are recognized by transport companies and drivers. Users who encounter non-compliance, such as refusal to accept the certificate, improper charging of fares, or demands for requirements not specified in regulations, can file complaints.

Complaints can be submitted through the National Commission for Transport Regulation (CNRT) via a toll-free number, online, or in person at the organization’s headquarters in Buenos Aires or regional offices throughout the country. To file a complaint, users need specific details such as the bus route, vehicle identification, date, and location of the incident. Additional documentation like photos or other evidence supporting the claim can also be attached.

During the week following the implementation, long lines formed at SUBE stations in Constitution and Retiro where many individuals with disabilities attempted to link their CUD to their SUBE cards. Many users reported repeated difficulties in traveling on various bus routes when showing only their disability certification. These experiences highlight ongoing challenges in ensuring full compliance with the new policy and underscore the importance of monitoring its application to prevent potential issues.