My husband and I will be traveling in Switzerland for a week next September. I believe we can benefit from using a Half Fare card, rather than Swiss Pass. My question is whether I can purchase all our tickets with one half fare card, or whether I need to buy one half fare card for myself and another for my husband. The website states one can purchase an unlimited number of tickets for a month. That seems to indicate that one half fare card would do. However, I've also read posts in which it is stated that both husband and wife have half fare cards. thank you for your help.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17427 posts
You each need your own card to get the Half Fare.
Posted by
Green Bay
21150 posts
Yes, the Half Fare Card is personal to the holder and only the holder's ticket is valid.
For instance, let's say you bought one Half Fare Card and then tickets for both of you. When the conductor comes by to check tickets, you show him your ticket and Half Fare Card. The ticket will indicate on it that is a half fare. When he checks your husband's ticket, he will say "And where is your Half fare Card?" He will then be fined for traveling without a valid ticket.
You also need to show your ID, because the Half Fare Card will have your name on it.
Posted by
OP
120 posts
OK, thanks. That is what I was wondering.
Posted by
Basel, Switzerland
8889 posts
The Half fare card is personal, your name is on it. You need one per person. The ticket inspector may want to see your ID (passport) to prove it is you, but probably won't bother. You can buy and use as many tickets as you like, but it must always be you travelling.
It is not checked when you buy the ticket (which is usually from a machine), just on the train.
If your suggestion was valid, you could buy 1 card and the whole train could travel at ½ price ☺