Beste reizigers, the digital revolution has found its way into your morning commute. Soon, your OV-chipkaart will be replaced with the new “OV-pas.”
The original OV-chipkaart, a shiny yellow travel card with your face on it, will be completely phased out by the end of 2026.
The OV-pas, which can currently be used for buses, trams, and metros, will instead take its place. According to the NS, it will add a digital edge to how we access public transport.
Ok, so what’s changing?
The biggest change? Unlike the Ov-chipkaart, you will be able to add your OV-pas to your Apple Wallet or smartphone. Gone are the days of rushing home in a frenzy because you left your card behind.
Aside from this, there are a few other small differences, according to Nu.nl:
- Your travel information is no longer stored on the card itself but in a secure online database. This means you can easily access your balance and travel history using the MyNS or OVpay apps.
- This also means there’s no need to fuss at the ticket kiosks or machines to top up and manage your card.
- You check in and out just like you would with your OV-chipkaart. However, your balance and travel costs won’t flash at the gates anymore.
What stays the same?
However, if you’re wary of change, fear not. There are also plenty of things that will stay the same:
- The OV-pas is still a physical card, you do not have to add it to your digital wallet.
- No subscription? You still have to keep at least €20 on your travel pass before checking in. Forget this, and you might find yourself stuck at the gate, or worse, hopping on a train you can’t pay for.
- If you don’t have an OV-pas, you can keep checking in and out with your bank card. This does not make you eligible for any discounts, however.
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What happens if you already have a subscription?
If you have an NS subscription, discount card, or season ticket, you’ll receive a message about your new public transport pass sometime in 2026.
The NS warns that you shouldn’t order a separate pass yourself, as your existing subscription will automatically be transferred to your new OV-pas.
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What happens with the anonymous OV card? I dont live in the Netherlands, nor do I have a Dutch bank account, so I can’t have a photo type card. I visit the Netherlands about eight times a year, and would dearly love to avail myself of the advantages of having one. The same thing happens with a Museumkaart: this is unavailable because I dont live in the country.