myRIDE Trial: A Guide to SBB’s New Smart Ticket

Since mid-May, Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) and Alliance SwissPass have been testing a new smart subscription service called myRIDE. This service aims to offer cheaper prices for those who travel on Swiss public transport semi-regularly. Here’s everything you need to know about it.

What is myRIDE?

myRIDE is a new subscription and app designed for people who use Swiss public transport (train, bus, tram, and boat) regularly, but not daily. It’s ideal for those who commute a few days a week or travel mainly for leisure. Unlike traditional subscriptions, myRIDE charges a flexible rate based on usage.

How Does It Work?

Anyone living in Switzerland can sign up for the myRIDE trial, though spots are limited. Users pay a 15-franc monthly fee for the service. If you already have a half-fare travel subscription (halb-tax), the fee is just one franc a month. The cost of travel is calculated based on the distance traveled – the more you travel, the lower the price per kilometer.

Savings with myRIDE

myRIDE promises significant savings, especially for long-distance travelers. For example, traveling between Zurich and Bern twice a week with myRIDE would cost 233 francs a month, which is much cheaper than a General Abonnement (GA) at 350 francs a month or buying eight return tickets with a halb-tax (about 424 francs a month).

Digital Future of Public Transport

Shorter trips can also be cheaper with myRIDE, as long as you travel more frequently. According to Alliance SwissPass spokesperson Susanna Wittwer, customer feedback has been positive. The goal is to transition to digital ticket sales by 2035, though this will happen gradually.

Conclusion of the myRIDE Trial

The myRIDE trial will end in 2024, and further development will follow. The public transport sector will decide by the end of the year whether to continue with this idea.

Concerns and Criticisms

Not everyone supports myRIDE. The Swiss Foundation for Consumer Protection is concerned that travelers won’t know the cost of their journey until they finish traveling, due to the digital location-tracking system. They also worry that phasing out physical tickets will affect the elderly and those without mobile phones.

In summary, myRIDE aims to make public transport more affordable and flexible, especially for those who travel semi-regularly. The trial will determine if this smart ticketing system will become a permanent option in the future.