Junior card : electronic version not accepted

Shoipheechau45

Hi,
Why do the ticket inspectors not accept the evidence of a junior card in the SBB apps?

When we renewed our son’s juinor rail card, we were told that two copies of the card (one for each parent) were not available and instead we could add this to either the SBB Mobile app and/or the SBB Preview (we did both).

However on two recent occasions ticket inspectors have requested a copy of the card and would not accept the entries in the apps.

Why is this? Clearly if the rail card is visible in the app, then it is evidence that we have a valid card.

How to proceed?

Giving the physical card to our son, is not an acceptable solution at this stage, as we know it would be lost and we rely heavily on the SBB digital solutions when travelling and don’t want the inconvenience of carrying plastic/paper cards.

RolandP

Hello Shoipheechau45

Kindly see a staffed SBB Travel Center or call the SBB Contact Center by phone: 0848 44 66 88 (0.08 CHF / Min). The SBB Contact Center is available 24/7, waiting times may occur. We are unable to treat your request through this platform.

For the ticket inspectors, of whom I am a member, it is imperative to know the parent eligible to accompany the child. This is only visible on the child’s SwissPass when scanning it. And you are required to have an ID with you, to prove that you are indeed the registered parent.

Usually, the parents have a Half Fare Card or other subscription and therefore have their own SwissPass card. In this scenario, the Junior Card can be referenced / linked with your SwissPass account and ticket inspectors can see the Junior Card when scanning your SwissPass card or SwissPass Mobile.

Had you a SwissPass card as well (and from my understanding such a card can be ordered without the necessity of an active rail pass), the counter staff could link the Junior Card with your SwissPass. By doing so, the child’s Junior travel card could be seen when scanning your SwissPass card.
Unfortunately, ticket frauds with Junior Cards are very common, even if the card costs the silly amount of CHF 30 per year. To prevent these, ticket inspectors have to carefully check if the person travelling with the child is the person who is registered as parent.

Also, even though you can use the SwissPass Mobile app, its terms & conditions require that you carry your physical SwissPass card or an official ID with you whenever you use the app; The app alone is not considered sufficient proof of your ID, even if it shows your photo. As you might know, anything that is digital can be counterfeited.

So, please go back to the counter or contact the SBB Contact Center and explain the situation. I am sure there will be a solution that is to your and the ticket personnel’s satisfaction.

Best regards,
Roland