November 18, 2024 FAIRTIQ hits record high: 200 million journeys processed since 2016

London, November 18, 2024 – Since its launch in 2016, FAIRTIQ, the app that simplifies public transport ticketing by allowing users to travel by public transport seamlessly with one swipe, has reached a significant milestone: 200 million journeys have been made using the technology. The platform is now operational in 25 regions across eight countries and has been rolled out nationwide in four, making public transport more accessible and user-friendly. Its rapid expansion continues to draw in new users internationally.

In the past 18 months alone, FAIRTIQ doubled the number of journeys it processes, passing from 100 million in May 2023 to 200 million in November 2024. While the majority of these trips were processed in Switzerland, FAIRTIQ’s international presence is growing steadily. Notable regions with increasing usage include Occitanie (France), North Rhine-Westphalia (Germany) and Vorarlberg (Austria). A major recent breakthrough occurred in September, when Denmark integrated FAIRTIQ’s technology into its national ticketing system, replacing a tap-in / tap-out card-based system with the 'Rejsekort' app developed by FAIRTIQ. Since then, usage figures have surged. Today, FAIRTIQ is available in Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany, France, Italy, the Czech Republic, and Denmark (see country descriptions below).

FAIRTIQ began as a start-up in 2016 in Bern with a simple but innovative vision: to make sustainable mobility simple for people to use. Passengers download the app, start it with one swipe before entering the means of transport and receive a valid ticket without having to enter their destination. When changing trains or buses, the app automatically recognises the change and continues to record the journey. When the passenger arrives at their destination, they simply swipe to end the journey. If they forget, the app sends a notification or automatically ends the journey. The best available fare is then automatically calculated, and optimised on a daily basis.

With more than 250,000 trips processed daily, FAIRTIQ is the global leader and pioneer in postpaid ticketing and digital pay-as-you-go (DPAYG) solutions. Surveys among the more than 1,000,000 active monthly users show that the FAIRTIQ app is highly valued by travellers, especially those previously less accustomed to using public transport. The app is regarded as a key enabler for encouraging more people to use public transportation. Despite the simplicity for users, the underlying technology involves significant complexity, which FAIRTIQ manages behind the scenes.

Over the years, the company has been recognised with multiple industry awards for its contributions to public transport innovation. As public transport operators (PTOs) and public transport authorities (PTAs) look for solutions to increase the part of public transport in the modal split, FAIRTIQ is well-positioned to attract more users. As a platform, FAIRTIQ can be leveraged as a direct communication channel to travellers and used to test and implement innovative pricing models, nudges and incentives, ultimately helping PTOs and PTAs to better understand passenger behaviour and flows. It has been utilised to test and implement fare innovations, offer free rides for medical visits, and provide free trips for volunteers. Among other uses, it can also serve as a tourist pass or as a platform for corporate mobility plans (see examples below).

Countries of operation 

France: from innovative fare structures to “titre unique”
In France the service is available in Normandy and Occitanie, with Occitanie emerging as a leader in experimenting with new fare structures. liO Train and liO Car have provided key insights into fare innovations, such as the "travel more, pay less" model. Supporting the regional authority's goal to promote public transport among young people, FAIRTIQ offers innovative, youth-friendly digital solutions and pricing tailored to their needs. Since then, ridership among this age group has increased by 35%. These solutions are also extended to working professionals aged 27 to 60 and seniors. By aligning with the transport authority's strategy, FAIRTIQ helps increase the public transport modal share, encouraging greater usage across all age groups. In Normandy, the aim is to implement a unified ticketing system ("titre unique") with the potential to expand regionally or even nationally. This presents a significant opportunity to adopt DPAYG solutions for streamlined, flexible fare management.

Germany: a flexible alternative to the Deutschlandticket 
Operating in multiple fare networks (Tarifverbünde), the app offers a flexible alternative to the Deutschlandticket. In North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), users benefit from a monthly fare cap of €49 for trips within the region, providing much-needed flexibility and thereby attracting new passengers to public transport. In some regions, PTOs and PTAs are also experimenting with distance-based pricing. This approach simplifies the travel experience for passengers while providing PTOs and PTAs with valuable insights into travel behaviour. Göttingen, the app’s first partner in Germany since 2019, adopted the distance-based fare model, and NRW has since adopted it, making travel even more seamless. In Braunschweig and other regions, DPAYG projects are supported by the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV). The app allows for flexible incentives and nudges, promoting public transport usage among travellers. For instance, Würzburg offers shopping vouchers to frequent travellers, while Flensburg provides free transport for volunteers and users in Erfurt receive a 10% discount on single and child tickets.

Switzerland and Liechtenstein: nationwide coverage
Switzerland is where FAIRTIQ’s story started in 2016 with an initial partnership with TPF, RHB, and VBL. The success of the concept soon expanded, and starting in 2018 FAIRTIQ users could travel anywhere in Switzerland and Liechtenstein with one swipe. In 2019, the Swiss Federal Railways decided to integrate the FAIRTIQ technology in their SBB Mobile app under the name “EasyRide”. Since its start, usage of DPAYG in Switzerland has seen significant growth, now counting for a market share of about 20% (based on the sales of single tickets and day passes). The positive trend continues to persist, with DPAYG shaping the future of ticketing in Switzerland. By partnering with FAIRTIQ, PTOs and PTAs in Switzerland can unlock new worlds of ticketing options. Aside from being a digital ticketing channel in the country, FAIRTIQ can also function as a tourist pass (e.g. Canton of Zug), as a platform for corporate mobility budget accounts(e.g. Hilti), as well as offering vouchers on regional transit lines (e.g. Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn), simplified travel for concert-goers (e.g. Dorf-Fyrabig concerts), discounted trips during off-peak hours (e.g. TPG), and discount models (e.g. up to 25% within the AWelle zone).

Denmark: nationwide transition to DPAYG 
In September 2024, Denmark underwent a nationwide shift from a tap-in/tap-out card-based system to a FAIRTIQ-powered digital pay-as-you-go (DPAYG) system. The Danish public transportation system reached a major milestone with the nationwide launch of the new Rejsekort app, developed by FAIRTIQ in collaboration with Rejsekort & Rejseplan A/S. Public transport users can now easily travel on trains, buses, trams, and the metro with a simple swipe on their smartphones. In December 2023, Rejsekort & Rejseplan A/S chose FAIRTIQ to create a digital ticketing solution tailored to the needs of Danish travellers. Surveys identified the physical tap-in and tap-out process as a major drawback of the existing card-based solution. In response, FAIRTIQ developed the "Rejsekort as an app," allowing travellers to travel with a single swipe. 

Austria: driving innovation in public transport
In Austria, FAIRTIQ has partnered with several PTOs, gaining particular popularity in Vorarlberg. The Vorarlberg Transport Association (VVV) is leading the way with creative initiatives to make public transport more attractive. For example, new residents of the region receive promo codes for a free month of public transport, and even local ophthalmologist  offers their patients free rides via FAIRTIQ. In Linz, FAIRTIQ users can travel free of charge on Saturdays between selected stations in the city centre. With the “Simply Go” solution from ÖBB, Austria's national railway service, travellers benefit from FAIRTIQ's DPAYG technology, making travel across the country even more convenient.

Czech Republic: modernising public transport ticketing
In July 2024, FAIRTIQ launched in the Zlín Region, marking the start of its operations in the Czech Republic. Success to date has been overwhelming. Travellers of all ages have enthusiastically embraced the new technology: The app was downloaded over 6,400 times in the first month alone. More than 10,000 journeys were registered within just four weeks of the launch. As the first region in the country to adopt DPAYG technology, Zlín has made a significant investment in enhancing public transport services. Modernising the ticketing system is key to improving the user experience. The new fare system, which was introduced alongside FAIRTIQ’s ticketing solution, aims to provide more flexible, convenient travel options, alongside unified fares for all public transport providers in the region. 

Italy: DPAYG ticketing makes its debut
FAIRTIQ is the first DPAYG ticketing solution in Italy, where it will soon be available on routes between Cuneo and Savigliano and Ceva and Ormea. Other regions in Italy are also exploring the possibilities of introducing this innovative technology with a view to streamlining their public transport offerings.