This is the total amount of the adjustment to the eligible own funds to meet SCR-Tier 1 calculated considering the adjustment to the eligible own funds to meet SCR-Tier 2 calculated considering the adjustment to the relevant risk-free interest rate term structure.
The negative balance feature of the SUBE electronic ticketing system allows users in the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Area (AMBA) to continue using public transportation, such as buses, trains, and subways, even when their account balance is insufficient. In September 2026, the National Ministry of Transportation set official values for this 'negative balance' based on minimum fare structures, which vary by transportation mode. The maximum allowable negative balance is capped at $40,000, enabling users to make larger virtual wallet or bank transfers to optimize usage. This feature was highlighted by the Secretary of Transportation, Mariano Ignacio Plencovich, who emphasized its role in ensuring equitable access to public transit for workers, teachers, and students. Additionally, ANSES confirmed a 55% discount on SUBE for certain groups, and the 'Carga a Bordo' functionality allows users to load credit directly onto their cards at bus validators, eliminating the need to visit automated terminals.
In September 2026, Argentina’s national transportation authority introduced updated rules governing the negative balance feature of the SUBE electronic ticketing system, which allows users to travel on buses, trains, and subways even when their account balance falls below zero. The policy applies across the Greater Buenos Aires area and other regions, offering a critical lifeline for commuters who rely on public transport for daily movement. The new measures were announced by the National Secretary of Transportation, Mariano Ignacio Plencovich, emphasizing the government's commitment to ensuring uninterrupted mobility for workers, teachers, students, and others facing temporary financial constraints. The implementation of the negative balance mechanism began in early September 2026, with official rates set by the National Secretariat of Transportation. These rates vary depending on the type of transit used, buses, trains, and subways, and are based on the minimum fare structure for each mode. Users registered on the SUBE card can accumulate up to $40,000 in credit, allowing them to make larger virtual or bank-based payments to optimize their travel budgets. This threshold provides flexibility for individuals who prefer to manage their transportation costs through digital wallets or banking apps rather than physical cash. The negative balance function was designed to prevent temporary financial shortfalls from becoming barriers to essential travel. According to officials, this tool ensures that individuals who experience unexpected expenses or income fluctuations can still access public transport without interruption. The system has been expanded to include more areas beyond the capital city, reflecting ongoing efforts to integrate digital payment systems into urban and regional transit networks. Plencovich highlighted the government’s broader strategy to modernize transportation infrastructure while maintaining affordability. Alongside the update to the negative balance policy, there have been continuous improvements in validator technology on buses and the integration of digital ticketing systems on train and subway platforms. These upgrades aim to support a wider range of payment methods while preserving the core principles of the SUBE network, including the Tarifa Social, a subsidized rate for vulnerable groups such as retirees, domestic workers, veterans of the Falklands War, and recipients of universal allowances. The negative balance provision also aligns with recent announcements from ANSES, the national social security agency, regarding a 55 percent discount on SUBE fares for eligible beneficiaries. This discount covers a wide array of individuals, including retirees, pensioners, domestic workers, and those receiving universal benefits. The discount is automatically applied to the base fare of each trip, reducing the overall cost of using public transport for these groups. Additionally, ANSES confirmed the full schedule for September 2026, detailing when different categories of beneficiaries will receive their monthly payments. A key innovation in the updated system is the activation of the "Onboard Charging" feature, which allows users to purchase tickets directly at bus validators using digital channels. This eliminates the need to visit automated terminals, making the process more convenient for passengers. The feature is already operational in the Greater Buenos Aires region and several cities in the interior, marking a step toward greater accessibility and efficiency in public transportation. The introduction of these policies reflects a broader effort to ensure equitable access to transportation services, particularly for low-income and vulnerable populations. By combining technological advancements with targeted subsidies, the government aims to maintain the functionality of the SUBE system while addressing the diverse needs of its user base. As part of this initiative, further updates are expected to roll out in subsequent months, focusing on expanding coverage and improving user experience across all forms of public transit.
★
Keep the news honest.
ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €4/month.
Become a Supporter
AR
