Smartphone out, open the app, check in – and off you go. For many FAIRTIQ users, this has become part of their daily routine. What’s second nature for younger people is also becoming increasingly familiar to many older individuals. Others, however, are stepping into new territory. This is where our story begins.
Between habit and challenge
People over the age of 65 make up around 20% of the Swiss population – and their digital habits vary significantly. At FAIRTIQ, we witness this every day: some users appreciate the simplicity of our app, while others prefer to buy tickets at the counter and pay in cash.
Booking a ticket via app for the first time at 70? No longer a rarity. The new Digital Seniors 2025 study by Swiss organisation Pro Senectute makes one thing clear: the digital world is no longer the sole domain of “digital natives”. 85% of over-65s own a smartphone – and the number is rising. Many want to remain active, travel spontaneously, visit their grandchildren or simply manage everyday life flexibly. To do this, they need simple, reliable solutions.
When digital gaps meet a shift in mobility
Ticket machines are disappearing, and counters are becoming less common – such as at MOB in western Switzerland, where machines have in some cases been removed entirely. At the same time, Swiss law still requires public transport operators to offer cash payment options.
This tension between legal obligations and digital transformation often creates uncertainty: how can access to public transport be guaranteed for older people?
FAIRTIQ: simple, intuitive, low barrier
What FAIRTIQ offers sounds simple – and that’s precisely what makes it effective: get on board, check in, start your journey. No complicated fare systems, no machines, no tricky settings. Many older users appreciate exactly this:
“I’m 80 and have been a happy FAIRTIQ user for several years – for me, it’s practically the holy grail!”
We receive feedback like this more and more often. FAIRTIQ stands for simplicity, security and the peace of mind of always having the right ticket:
“With FAIRTIQ, you can’t make a mistake – and you won’t get caught out in a ticket inspection.”
Not perfect for everyone – taking criticism seriously
At the same time, we know that an app isn’t the right solution for everyone. Whenever points of sale are reduced, we also hear critical voices – including from senior advisory councils. In Magdeburg, for example, MVB offered a 24-hour ticket for €3 instead of €7.10 – but only via FAIRTIQ.
“This discounted day ticket offer excludes seniors who don’t have a smartphone,” criticised Lothar Günther, chair of the senior citizens’ council, in Volksstimme.
MVB pointed to an alternative already existing subscription model. But the example shows clearly: digital exclusivity can lead to exclusion – if there are no accompanying measures.
Thinking ahead together – mobility for all generations
Our vision at FAIRTIQ: an app everyone can understand and use – regardless of age, background or digital experience. Functions like these help make that vision a reality:
-
Smart Stop – automatically ends check-in, even if you forget. Just check in before boarding, get comfortable – and let the app handle the rest. Once you get off, the app recognises that the journey has ended and checks you out.
-
Companion Mode – ideal for couples or groups travelling together: one person buys tickets for everyone via their smartphone – simple, flexible and inclusive.
We handle the ticket – you enjoy the ride.
But we also know that an app alone is not enough. It needs to be explained, demonstrated and supported.
Sharing knowledge – courses for seniors
That’s why we work with partner organisations to develop training materials and incorporate feedback from workshops. In Switzerland, Pro Senectute, VCS and rundum mobil run courses for people aged 55 to 80, where participants learn how to buy tickets via app.
“The demand is huge,” says Ursula Gertsch, Director of rundum mobil. “Many join specifically because of FAIRTIQ – they realise that ticket machines are disappearing and they need an alternative.”
Over 100 such courses are held each year in German-speaking Switzerland alone. FAIRTIQ is often a central topic – and many of the trainers are former SBB employees. They bring plenty of patience, experience and enthusiasm.
A target group with potential – data brings understanding
If we want to rethink mobility, we need to better understand the needs of older people using public transport. The Digital Seniors 2025 study offers exciting insights – with clear typologies that help illustrate the wide range of digital habits in later life: from Anna Analog, who avoids digital tools, to Petra Pragmatic, who values simple solutions, to Daniel Digital, who is fully at ease in the digital world.
These personas show how diverse older people are – and how equally diverse their mobility needs can be. For public transport providers, this is a real opportunity to better identify expectations and develop effective solutions. At FAIRTIQ, we’re already one step ahead.
Share