Digital travel diary: New digital public transport tariff encounters resistance

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Finding your way through the jungle of public transport fares is complicated. Prices are often confusing. Different charges may apply for the same route depending on the ticket selected. Many therefore only understand the station.

For this reason, the industry association Alliance Swisspass launched the pilot project “myRide” in March. A new, digital public transport rate will soon be introduced in Switzerland. Buying a ticket for every trip is a thing of the past.

Instead, an app records a so-called “travel diary” and calculates the fare afterwards. The goal is to introduce a new base fare based on the distance driven. If you drive more, you travel cheaper. Individual tickets or subscriptions no longer need to be purchased. However, the current ticketing system with GA travel card and half fare travel card should be retained.

«The ‹myRide› fare system is opaque»

But now there is opposition to the new rate. An initiative of SP alderman Matthias Aebischer (55) instructed the Bundesrat to clarify whether the new rate system meets the legal requirements at all.

«The fare system of ‘myRide’ is opaque. As a consumer, I can no longer understand how prices are determined,” emphasizes Aebischer. This raises questions about data protection law: he fears that travelers without a credit card could be excluded.

In fact, in its response to a request from Aebischer, the Bundesrat promises to at least take these concerns into account in the further process.

Consumer protection is outraged: “I am shocked by the development. This is obfuscation, cover-up and confusion for consumers,” manager Sara Stalder told “20 Minutes” in April.

“The only solution to clear the tariff jungle”

Bastian Bommer (49), board member of Pro Bahn Switzerland contradicts this: “We have very high expectations of ‘myRide’. It is the only solution to break through the tariff jungle.” It is clear to him that the system would provide more transparency.

But he also admits that there is a need for analogue access to public transport tickets – for people without a mobile phone and credit card: “Smartphone refusers, children and tourists should also be able to use the system in the future,” says Bommer slightly sour. The Alliance Swisspass could not be reached for comment.

The test phase for “myRide” is expected to last until 2024. The decision on implementation should be made at the end of next year. A possible introduction would then take place in 2027 at the earliest.

Source:Blick