Bonobús Social municipal (reduced transport for low incomes and specific groups)

What to have to hand

1. Cl@ve PIN or Cl@ve Permanente (or certificado digital/DNIe). Without this you can’t start online.
2. Lightweight PDFs of your documents: most sedes set 5 MB per file limits.
3. A quiet 20–40 minutes: between gathering files and signing, the trámite can take that long.

Documentation

1. DNI/NIE both sides, well scanned.
2. Padrón reciente (less than 3 months). If you don’t have it, many ayuntamientos issue it online with Cl@ve.
3. Income: last declaración de la Renta or certificado de imputaciones de la AEAT (Cl@ve) → https://sede.agenciatributaria.gob.es/Sede/certificaciones-tributarias.html
4. Employment situation: vida laboral via Import@ss → https://importass.seg-social.es (section “Vida laboral e informes”).
5. Benefits/pension/subsidies: justificante from INSS/SEPE if you receive anything.
6. Photo passport size (check if they require white background and exact dimensions).
7. Bonobús Social form and, if asked, the autorización de consulta (these appear in the sede trámite).

Step by step

1. Go to your ayuntamiento’s sede electrónica and search for “Bonobús Social” (sometimes called “Tarjeta de transporte social”, “Tarifa Social”, “Tarjeta Azul”…). Authenticate with Cl@ve.
2. Fill the form with your data and tick the autorización de consulta if you want them to cross‑check AEAT/Seguridad Social. If not, be ready to upload everything.
3. Attach the documents: DNI/NIE, padrón, IRPF or certificado de imputaciones, vida laboral, benefits and the photo. If a file is rejected for size, compress it.
4. Sign and register. Download the justificante with the expediente number. Turn on electronic notifications so you don’t wait for a paper letter.
5. Wait for resolution (usually 1–4 semanas). They’ll tell you if it’s approved and how to book a cita to validate docs and collect the card.
6. Attend the cita with originals. They verify, may retake your photo and issue or order the card (some cities print on the spot, others take a few days).
7. Activate and top up the card where told (ticket offices, estancos, machines or app). Your social fare will then apply.

Time‑saving tips

1. Tick the autorización de consulta de datos: you avoid uploading half a library if the ayuntamiento can fetch AEAT/Seguridad Social data.
2. Request the certificado de imputaciones if you don’t file Renta: it’s quick and usually enough.
3. Upload the correct photo first time: white background, centred, no hat. Saves a return trip.
4. Book early slots: if citas are scarce, check first thing in the morning (many ayuntamientos release slots early and Mondays fill fast).
5. Keep the justificante: it saves you if the registro “loses” your file.
6. Set a renewal reminder: put an alarm 30 days before expiry; if you sleep on it you lose the discount.

Common mistakes to avoid

1. Not being empadronado or having an old padrón: immediate denial.
2. Income not proved: if you don’t upload IRPF/certificates or your figures are inconsistent, they’ll reject and ask for more, adding weeks.
3. Lending the card: it’s personal; if caught, withdrawal and possible fine.
4. Huge or blurry files: sede rejects them and you lose time. Rescan and compress.
5. Forgetting renewal: it expires and you lose social status until you reapply.
6. Missing the cita with originals: they send you back and you lose the slot.