Using Swiss Half Fare Card on Postbus

  • Tourgypsy
    Participant
    52 posts
    18 June 2021 at 16:16:04 #825860

    OK, I’ve purchased my Swiss Half Fare Card. However, the instructions say that I cannot enter in the Swiss Pass (as it’s only a month). So, how does one go about purchasing bus tickets when you’re at a remote bus stop? It seems to read that you should purchase the ticket BEFORE you board the bus. Confused.

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    Anna
    Moderator
    6355 posts
    18 June 2021 at 19:18:20 #935242

    Hi Tourgypsy,

    Perhaps you can download the SBB Mobile App. This way you can buy your tickets on the go. You don’t need to key in your Swiss Half Fare Card details. Just make sure you have it when you’re asked to show it. I hope this clears your confusion.

    Let us know if you have further questions.

    Regards,

    Anna

    Tourgypsy
    Participant
    52 posts
    18 June 2021 at 19:21:31 #935243

    Yes, I have the app downloaded. Just thought I would need to have the Half Fare Card number in the app for it to actually give me the discounted price. Guess I’m good to go – only 52 days to go. Ha-ha.

    Anna
    Moderator
    6355 posts
    19 June 2021 at 4:29:11 #935244

    Hi Tourgypsy,

    The ticket prices on the SBB timetable are half-price by default. You can find more information about how to use the timetable here: http://www.myswissalps.com/timetable

    Have a good trip!

    Regards,

    Anna

    Annika
    Moderator
    7116 posts
    20 June 2021 at 9:21:36 #935245

    Hi Tourgypsy! The ‘SwissPass’ account that’s visible in the SBB app is mainly for Swiss residents, allowing them to enter their SwissPass number. That’s different from the Swiss Travel Pass (http://www.myswissalps.com/swisstravelpass) and Swiss Half Fare Card (http://www.myswissalps.com/swisshalffarecard) for tourists though and I understand that’s confusing! The difference is explained here: http://www.myswissalps.com/train/ticketspasses/practical/swisspass.

    As for bus tickets: in most cases you can get them online before boarding. In some cases you can also get your (discounted) ticket at the bus stop or from the driver. It’s explained here: http://www.myswissalps.com/bus/tickets. Mind that you need seat reservations for a limited number of bus trips, mainly the longer scenic ones over mountain passes: http://www.myswissalps.com/bus/reservations.

    Tourgypsy
    Participant
    52 posts
    20 June 2021 at 11:31:20 #935246

    I know I’m missing something. I can’t find anywhere to store my payment information in the app. Will I have to carry my credit card numbers separately and add both those and personal information each time I need a ticket?

    Anna
    Moderator
    6355 posts
    21 June 2021 at 10:15:53 #935247

    Hi Tourgypsy,

    After you download the SBB mobile app, you can go to settings to register as a new user and set up your mobile payment. You don’t have to be a SwissPass user to set up an account (click the non SwissPass option).

    Also, I noticed that some international travellers have problems registering their credit cards. Most often this has to do with the type of credit cards used and whether the cards are 3D secure for extra safety. So do check with your credit card provider if you encounter this problem.

    Regards,

    Anna

    Tourgypsy
    Participant
    52 posts
    21 June 2021 at 11:38:49 #935248

    Thanks so much. I’ve finally figured it out.

    Anna
    Moderator
    6355 posts
    21 June 2021 at 13:23:58 #935249

    That’s great. Thanks for the update.

    Anna

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