Flexible subscription models are now coming: These are three new GA alternatives

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Since the beginning of the corona pandemic, home offices and part-time working models have become more established throughout Switzerland. This has significantly weakened the need to purchase general season tickets (GA) for public transport. Half a million GAs were sold in 2019, compared to 430,000 GAs last year.

Therefore, new models are in demand. And public transport was delivered. According to the news of “SRF”, some public transport companies are offering new offers with tariff changes in mid-December 2023, while others are still in the testing phase. There are three models to choose from.

Here, you purchase a certain amount of credit in cash at a discount. This allows you to purchase personal tickets and day passes for a year. For example, there is a loan of 3,000 francs for 2,100 francs, 2,000 francs for 1,500 francs, and 1,000 francs for 800 francs. This system will be implemented throughout Switzerland. The test performed in the canton of Zug was positive.

“FlexiAbo” is offered as a subscription for limited daily use. The travel day can be activated and flexibly changed or canceled. Five transport unions (LU/OW/NW, FR, VD, NE, JU) are introducing “FlexiAbo” with a tariff change. Zurich and Engadine are currently still testing the solution.

This model requires that travel expenses be limited to a certain amount. Once this price cap is reached, all subsequent trips are free. The cap amount varies but is always higher than the corresponding subscription price. Price capping offers more flexibility. This is currently used on wave A (AG/SO) as well as on individual routes in the cantons of Uri and Vaud.

Consumer protection criticizes

The Consumer Protection Foundation generally welcomes more flexible and cheaper subscriptions. But he criticizes the fact that all new models work only online. Anyone who is less digitally savvy may not be able to take advantage of the new offers. Additionally, the fact that anonymous train travel is no longer possible raises questions about data protection.

Source :Blick