istanbulkart is a contactless smart card for fare payment on public transport in Istanbul, Turkey. It was introduced on March 23, 2009 in addition to, and to eventually replace, the Akbil, an integrated electronic ticket system (Akbil iButtons are now being phased out as of 2015). The card was developed and put into practice by the information technology company Belbim of the Metropolitan Municipality. There are four different types of the Istanbulkart, one ordinary and three special. The special cards are issued upon the holder's legal eligibility, and are therefore personalized: