Ensuring a secure system while delivering a seamless and user-friendly experience for passengers is an ongoing challenge for public transport operators (PTOs). Trust plays a critical role—not just between operators and passengers but also between operators and technology providers. That’s why FAIRTIQ has made advanced fraud detection and prevention a cornerstone of its mobile ticketing solution. However, misconceptions about how FAIRTIQ handles fraud, privacy, and payments can create unnecessary doubts. In this post, we address five common myths about FAIRTIQ and reveal what is behind them.
A concern often raised is whether a smartphone-based solution like FAIRTIQ makes fare evasion easier. Some worry that users can check in late, check out early, or manipulate the system to avoid paying for their full journey.
The truth: FAIRTIQ employs sophisticated algorithms and strict controls to detect and deter fraudulent behaviour. For example, users can only start their journey if a list of criteria is met. These include the correct localisation of the user and finding a nearby station or stop to prevent a late start of the journey en route. Additionally, our fraud detection system continuously monitors unusual patterns, such as repeated early check-outs or inconsistent location data, ensuring any suspicious behaviour is flagged. Persistent fraudsters can be warned or even blocked, or prosecuted.
Fact: FAIRTIQ’s proactive fraud prevention measures protect operators and reduce fare evasion.
Some users believe they are at risk of being overcharged if they forget to manually check out at the end of their journey.
The truth: FAIRTIQ’s "Smart Stop" feature automatically detects when a user has reached their destination and ends the trip on their behalf. Additionally, reminders are sent via push notifications to encourage timely check-outs after users stopped using public transport. In rare cases of incorrect charges, users can request corrections directly through the app, and the responsive customer care team ensures any errors are quickly resolved.
Fact: FAIRTIQ ensures users only pay for the trips they have taken, thanks to smart automation and human support.
Given the nature of location-based ticketing, there’s often a misconception that FAIRTIQ collects and stores unnecessary personal data.
The truth: FAIRTIQ follows strict data minimisation principles — collecting only what is necessary to deliver core services, such as calculating fares and preventing fraud. Data is retained only as long as required and is anonymised after the customer service period ends. Importantly, we comply fully with local and EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Fact: FAIRTIQ collects only essential data and never tracks users beyond what’s necessary to calculate and collect the right fare, and provide expected customer care.
In an era where data monetisation is common, some assume that FAIRTIQ profits by selling user data to third parties.
The truth: FAIRTIQ’s business model is based on providing a superior ticketing solution—not selling data. While we do share anonymised and aggregated data with our public transport partners to help them improve their services, we never share personally identifiable data with anyone.
Fact: FAIRTIQ never sells user data. Privacy and trust are at the heart of our business model.
Another common concern is whether users risk being fined if their phone loses connectivity or GPS signal during a trip.
The truth: FAIRTIQ has built-in safeguards for situations where GPS data is insufficient. The app can rely on historical travel data to ensure accurate fare calculation. Connectivity issues are not typically treated as fraudulent behaviour. If users experience incorrect charges due to technical errors, they can contact our support team to resolve the issue promptly.
Fact: Technical issues do not lead to fines, and FAIRTIQ has systems in place to account for GPS or connectivity failures.
If you are curious to learn more about how FAIRTIQ can enhance your ticketing system’s security and convenience, reach out to us and let’s build a smarter future for public transport together.