If I am only traveling in central Switzerland (Lucerne day trips) should I get a TELL pass (called Lucerne Travel Pass starting April 1) instead of a Swiss Travel Pass? It is much cheaper IF it still covers all the modes of transportation including Mt. cable car trips. Can anyone verify?
How long will you be in Switzerland?
It really depends on what your plans are and if your transportation costs will be significant enough to make a Pass worthwhile.
Info. here on the two you mentioned:
https://www.myswissalps.com/travel-ticket/lucerne-travel-pass/
https://www.myswissalps.com/travel-ticket/swiss-travel-pass/
The validity map is on the website to see if what you want to do is covered.
https://lucernetravelpass.ch/en/inform/line-network