SBB Half Fare Travelcards will not be abolished, says Alliance Swisspass

There has been confusion among public transport users in Switzerland this week as K-Tipp reported that the SBB Half Fare Travelcard could be abolished. Alliance Swisspass has since clarified that this will not happen.

K-Tipp claims that the SBB Half Fare Travelcard will come to an end

The SBB Half Fare Travelcard is used by over 3,3 million people in Switzerland, according to Watson. By purchasing a yearly travelcard, passengers receive 50 percent off ticket prices on trains, boats and other public transport in Switzerland. 

K-Tipp reported that Alliance Swisspass, the public transport industry association, plans to put an end to the well-used Half Fare Travelcard as part of a new ticket system. Alliance Swisspass clarified in a statement that a new pricing system, myRIDE, is being considered, but that “a half-fare ticket will remain in place”. 

Why does Switzerland need a new ticket price system?

According to Alliance Swisspass, a new public transport ticket system is needed because the current one is “reaching its limits due to its complexity and future viability”. The transport association continued to explain in a previous statement that “using Swiss public transport must be made easier in the future”.

3.000 customers tested a proposed pricing system known as myRIDE in 2024. The system calculates ticket prices based on how far someone has travelled (rather than a fixed price or zone). MyRIDE would benefit frequent travellers, as the further someone travels per month, the lower the price per kilometre would be.

Uncertainty about when myRIDE will be introduced in Switzerland

While the reports that the SBB Half Fare Travelcard will be abolished have been put to rest, there are still some unknowns about when exactly a new system will be introduced. 

20 Minuten reported that Alliance Swisspass may begin implementing a new system in 2027. According to Alliance Swisspass’ latest statement, however, the new system is still being designed and a final decision about whether it will be introduced “has not yet been made”.