Swiss train app may leave you empty-handed when it comes to first-class savings, potentially draining your wallet unnecessarily.
Taking the Swiss Public Transport System for a Spin? Watch Out for These Gotchas!
Got your SBB app ready to buy tickets for your Swiss commute? Most likely, you're one of the savvy commuters who've hopped aboard the digital train. But, maybe you're about to take a bumpy ride if you're not careful. Here's the lowdown on that pesky first-class issue.
So, you opt for a comfy first-class seat on trains, assuming buses and trams follow suit, right? Well, think again, buddy! The Swiss transport system is more democratic than you think. Buses and trams have a single travel class, so that fancy first-class tag on your SBB ticket will just cost you more, making you pay for an illusion.
Who's the Whistleblower?
One observant commuters, Jörg Allemann, recently called out the SBB on X (formerly Twitter) over this little quirk. Although he was only buying a bus ticket, our hero pointed out that the SBB app proposes a first-class ticket for 4.10 francs and a second-class ticket for 2.40 francs for the same route. But alas, the first-class ticket can't be purchased because, let's face it, it doesn't exist in the realm of buses and trams.
Fix Your App, SBB!
The SBB quickly responded to Allemann's complaint, acknowledging the system's drawback. They're working on improving the app to prevent such confusions, but they don't have an exact date for when this will be sorted out.
Navigating the Maze
If you're traveling solo by bus or train, remember to stick with the cheaper second-class tickets. Splurging on first-class fare will just line the SBB's pockets, and you'll end up sitting with the plebeians anyways.
If you're planning on catching a bus to the train station and yearn for that first-class experience, resist the easy temptation of one-click booking on the app. Instead, purchase the bus ticket separately from the train ticket.
Need more tips to navigate the SBB system? Here are a few pointers:
- Stick with Second-Class Tickets: Save those extra coins by choosing second-class seats. You won't miss out on comfort, promise!
- Choose Point-to-Point Tickets or Supersaver Tickets: Regular tickets are class-specific, but they might not provide the best value if you're traveling extensively. Supersaver tickets can offer significant discounts, but they're limited and must be booked online.
- Swiss Travel Pass or Saver Day Pass: Consider multi-day passes for frequent travelers. These passes cover a wide range of public transport options, including buses and trams, and are often cheaper than buying individual first-class tickets.
- Use EasyRide: This nifty feature on the SBB app calculates the best combination of tickets for your travels, which can help you avoid unnecessary first-class purchases.
By following these simple tips, you can enjoy hassle-free travel in Switzerland while avoiding any unnecessary investment in elusive first-class tickets. Happy commuting!
- Joerg Allemann, a vigilant commuter, pointed out an issue with the SBB app on X (formerly Twitter), highlighting that it proposes a first-class ticket for buses and trams, although such tickets do not exist in reality.
- The Swiss Public Transport (SBB) industry acknowledged the shortcoming and promised to improve their app to prevent future confusions, but no exact date for the fix has been set.
- To save money and avoid purchasing unnecessary first-class tickets, it is recommended to stick with second-class tickets for solo travel by bus or train.
- For travelers planning to take a bus to a train station and expecting a first-class experience, it's best to purchase the bus and train tickets separately to avoid unnecessary ticket classes and associated costs.
