RhB revolutionizes its ticketing system

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION The Rhaetian Railway (RhB), in collaboration with the public transit authorities of Lucerne and Fribourg, has revolutionized the ticketing system. With the «Fairtiq» app, passengers always get the right ticket without having to figure out the fare structure.

Buy a ticket easily with Fairtiq. Image: RhBThere are already a few mobile ticketing apps on the market that have also established themselves. However, most of these apps are regional solutions. The app Fairtiq is based on the Ciaco principle, which means "Check In, Assisted Check Out". The passenger starts the app when boarding the bus or train. Thanks to a tracking device, it is possible to track where the passenger is going. At the end of the journey, the passenger closes the app. He or she is then charged for the cheapest ticket, which is paid for by credit card or cell phone bill. If a passenger forgets to check out at the end of their journey, they will automatically receive a reminder after a certain period of time ("Assisted Check Out").To use the app, a one-time registration is required. During registration, users can specify their preferences for Half-Fare and class. Once the departure point has been found by locating it, a simple swipe on the cell phone is all that is needed to start the app. The color of the app changes to green. During the journey, the phone can be used for other services as desired. At the end of the trip, another swipe stops the app, the screen color changes to red, and travel expenses are calculated. And the best part is that the app automatically calculates the best price for the day after the trip, i.e., the maximum price of a day ticket - a fair ticket.Data protection is taken very seriously. The Fairtiq app only collects the data that is indispensable for calculating the correct ticket.Passengers want to drive, not buy a ticketDr. Norbert Schmassmann, Director of Verkehrsbetriebe Luzern AG, is convinced that passengers will use the new app. "Passengers don't actually want to buy a ticket. They want to ride. That's why we need solutions for customers that are easy to use as well as always and everywhere available." He is convinced that access to public transport will only be truly attractive when people no longer have to worry about fares and zones, but can use public transport freely, i.e. simply get on and ride.Vincent Ducrot, director of TPF, says: "Fairtiq is revolutionizing the way people buy tickets. The system offers numerous development opportunities, such as the creation of new fare models. For the time being, the new Fairtiq app can be used in the "Frimobil" (Canton of Fribourg), "Passepartout" (Cantons of Lucerne, Obwalden, Nidwalden) and "Engadin Mobil" (Upper Engadine) tariff associations. Talks are taking place with other fare associations and transport companies, so that the app could soon be in use throughout Switzerland. For example, Fairtiq can already be used in the Thun area (STI) from the end of August this year.