7104 posts
Hi couleecat, thanks for joining us!
The 10 digit number asked for in the app is for Half-Fare Travelcards which are used by Swiss residents. What you have is a Swiss Half Fare Card, meant for tourists. As far as I know, you should still be able to purchase tickets with 50% reduction through the app though. You’ll first have to create an account and pick a payment method. Then, enter your departure and destination station and a list of connections will be displayed. Swipe left on the connection of your choice for ticket options. You’ll then be asked whether or not you have a Half-Fare Travelcard. Enter that you do have one: although the Half-Fare Travelcard and Swiss Half Fare Card technically aren’t the same, they do provide the same discounts. Nowhere in this process I had to enter a Travelcard number. Does this work for you?
Apart from the SBB Mobile app you can also use our page myswissalps.com/traint ickets/switzerlandhalf fare/price. Our partner Happyrail sells 50% discounted tickets for Swiss Half Fare Card holders. Once you’re at their website, click on the passenger icon in the upper segment, fill out your age and click “Discount cards” to select the Swiss Half Fare Card. Click “Save” and you’ll be able to buy reduced tickets. No need to enter card numbers or whatsoever.
72625 posts
Thank you so much. For some odd reason it automatically calculated the fare at 1/2 price.
8889 posts
Hi couleecat,
Have you tried the demo purchase mode which can be reached via “Demo Purchase Mode” at the bottom of My Settings. Exite demo mode using the same “button”.
Once in there and you go to buy a ticket you can see how to edit passengers and indicate whether they are half-fare or not. Once you have set that you either see (1/1) next to the User or (1/2) for half-fare passenger.
If you are just looking at the connections screen it will say “Tickets from CHF …” at the bottom. This is always the half-fare price.
Somewhere along the way it asked me to enter a number for a GA card or Half-fare Card but I can’t for the life of me find were that is. I suspect it is somewhere along the way when you first install the app.
I have seen other posts on this forum where Swiss Half Fare Card holders have used the app to buy tickets and even 2nd Class SwissTravel Pass holders have used it to buy route specific class upgrades. I have advice from SBB (which I have printed out to carry with me) that I can use the app to purchase such upgrade using the Half-Far Travel Card option.
72625 posts
Thank you, I had found the Demo area and everything seems to be working perfectly for me. I appreciate your helpful comments.
72625 posts
Rockoyster…is the info from SBB you mentioned available on their site or did you receive it separately? I am struggling with the same thing and would appreciate it very much.
OH geologist
72625 posts
I downloaded the app and signed in and all the info mentioned was there. I still am unsure how it knew I wanted the half price fare but that is what it presents.
7104 posts
Hi couleecat,
I think half fare is picked by default, as most Swiss residents have a Half-Fare Travelcard. Rockoyster explained how to change this to 1/1 (full fare) by editing your passenger’s information in the buying process. You don’t need that however. I think you’re ready to buy your half fare tickets now!
8889 posts
Hello OH Geologist,
Do up mean the SBB info I mentioned regarding class upgrade? If so, then no it isn’t spelled out clearly on the SBB website. I emailed them and got confirmation. I have a similar email from Rhätische Bahn regarding Glacier and Bernina Express upgrades. I have printed both emails to carry with me just in case any problems.
72625 posts
Thank you all. This site has been wonderful in prep. ..ideas, experience, and willingness to help. Thank you.