FAIRTIQ and Arcobaleno partners: A partnership to modernize Ticino's public transport

A major leap in digital ticketing 

On July 1, 2024, FAIRTIQ joined forces with seven transport companies in Ticino—ABL, AMSA, ARL, FART, FLP, SNL, and TPL. This partnership marks a significant step in modernizing public transport ticketing in southern Switzerland and improving connectivity with neighboring Italy. At its core, this collaboration aims to simplify travel, enhance user experience, and address key operational challenges in the region.

"Ticino's transport companies and FAIRTIQ share the same goal, making them a perfect match. We want to make public transport as simple and convenient as possible to encourage its use.”                         CLAUDIO BLOTTI, director of Ferrovie Autolinee Regionali  

                        Ticinesi SA (FART)

Offline marketing boosts awareness for mobile ticketing adoption 

For the launch of the official distribution partnership, Arcobaleno partners launched an extensive offline marketing campaign to raise awareness for the innovative mobile pay-as-you-go solution, FAIRTIQ. Billboards, posters, and flyers at key transport hubs helped raise awareness about the app and its benefits among travelers in the Ticino regions - highlighting its simplicity, convenience and ease of use. This proactive approach made it easier for both frequent and occasional users to embrace the mobile, postpaid ticketing app, accelerating adoption and boosting ridership in the area. The impact of o the launch campaign measures was immediate, and the results speak for themselves:

Arcobaleno revenue in CHF: 37% more revenue was generated between July and December 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.

Why Arcobaleno-Partners chose FAIRTIQ: Three key drivers

The decision to partner with FAIRTIQ as a strategic distribution and marketing partner was driven by three critical factors:

1. Proven expertise in digital, post-paid ticketing
FAIRTIQ’s track record in providing scalable, secure, and efficient mobile ticketing solutions helped reduce the reliance on complex ticket vending machines, offering a cost-effective way to modernize the transport network.

2. Enhanced user experience leading to increased ridership
The user-friendly FAIRTIQ app simplifies ticket purchasing and further removes barriers to public transportation - especially for occasional users.

3. Operational efficiency
FAIRTIQ's digital ticketing system helps transport operators optimize fare collection, improve data analytics, and streamline operations, leading to significant long-term cost savings.

Localization: Making FAIRTIQ more inclusive

Following the launch of the FAIRTIQ App in July 2024, the New Generation Tariff is now available to all app users in the region. The transition in classic sales channels requires additional procurement and development and will therefore not be completed until the end of 2025. The successful launch of the New Generation Tariff in the FAIRTIQ App is, however, only the beginning. 

“We’re excited to offer the app in another national language, making public transport even more accessible to more people," says Gian-Mattia Schucan, founder and co-CEO of FAIRTIQ. With a smile, he adds, "Now, only Romansh is missing.

The future of cross-border travel: Seamless journeys beyond Ticino

The recent launch in northern Italy, in collaboration with Arenaways in Piemonte, marks a critical first step in establishing a broader presence in Italy.

This cross-border ticketing model, while still under development, holds the potential to transform travel across Europe. By simplifying multi-operator ticketing and fare management, it could benefit both travelers and transport providers, paving the way for a more integrated and seamless mobility ecosystem.