There are reports in Switzerland that the popular ‘Half-Fare’ public transport pass is facing the axe with the introduction of the “My Ride” system in 2027.
With about 3.3 million people using the half-fare travel card in Switzerland on regular basis, it is the most popular public transport pass in the country.
But according to the German-language consumer magazine K-Tipp, the SwissPass Alliance, the umbrella organisation which brings together 250 transport companies in Switzerland, plans to abolish it as early as 2027, with the planned introduction of the new digital fare system “My Ride,” which is supposed to radically simplify and digitalise the current system.
The scheme would require passengers to pay only for the distance travelled by kilometres — not more or less:
READ ALSO: Why transport passengers in Switzerland could pay per kilometre in future?
Does this mean the end of the Half-Fare card?
The SwissPass Alliance was quick to deny K-Tipp’s report that the “My Ride” scheme will put an end to the half-fare ticket.
“It is true that the public transport sector is considering introducing a new pricing system,” the company responded in a press release on September 15th. “But even after its possible introduction (by 2035), the half-fare ticket will remain in effect.”
Further, the concrete design of a new pricing system is currently being developed.
“But the decision regarding its introduction has not yet been made.”
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‘Opaque principle’
One of the reasons for the uncertainty is that while “My Ride” is supposed to be commuter-friendly, at least in terms of costs, according to K-Tipp, travellers who don’t opt for this system could be at a disadvantage.
The consumer magazine explained that currently, passengers only need to spend 340 francs a year on train or bus tickets to get a return on their 170-franc subscription, but they may have to pay more in the future.
That’s because the new system is based on a different and “much more opaque principle”: the more you travel in a month, the greater the discount on the full fare. And they will also have to pay a monthly fee, the amount of which has yet to be determined.
Furthermore, they will need a smartphone and a personal profile to take advantage of the discounts.