The Ministry of Transport and Communications (MTC) announced on Apr. 17 that users of the Metropolitano and Lima Pass cards can recover their remaining balance if their card is lost or stolen, provided the card has been personalized with the holder’s name. The process aims to protect passengers from financial loss in such situations.
This measure is significant as it encourages users to personalize their cards, which is the only way to guarantee recovery of funds in case of incidents. The MTC said that once a loss or theft is reported, users should immediately block their card by calling 203-9000 (option 1) or visiting one of several Card Attention Centers at Chimpu Ocllo, Naranjal, Matellini terminals, and Central and Javier Prado stations. Identification with a national ID document is required.
After blocking the lost card, citizens can purchase a new personalized card for S/4.50 at any attention point mentioned above. The transfer of recovered balance to the new card will be completed within a maximum period of 48 hours, allowing passengers to resume travel without economic setbacks.
The benefit applies exclusively to personalized cards—both general and those designated for students. For schoolchildren and university students using preferential fare cards, immediate blocking is necessary; otherwise, misuse by third parties could result in permanent retention of the card and suspension of half-fare benefits until the next academic year.
Basic or anonymous cards are not eligible for balance recovery since they are not linked to user identity. The MTC emphasizes personalization as essential for safeguarding balances.
The Ministry supports cultural and social wellbeing by improving connectivity through enhanced transport infrastructure according to its official website. It operates service centers like MAC Lima Este and MAC Lima Sur to improve public access across Peru’s communities according to its official website. Functioning under ministerial guidance as part of Peru’s executive branch the ministry regulates transport policy while promoting safe, sustainable services for national development according to its official website. Since beginning operations in 1969 the ministry has managed multimodal approaches through partnerships with public entities.
