Bibo: the digital ticket that activates automatically on Ticino’s public transport
Starting 30 April 2026, Switzerland will launch a trial of Bibo, which automatically bills journeys without requiring passengers to check in. Here’s how it works for Ticino commuters
Contesto
From April 30, 2026, around 3,000 users in Switzerland will test the Bibo system (Be in - be out) for two months—a new feature that eliminates the need to manually purchase or validate tickets on public transport. The initiative, developed by Switzerland’s transport sector and promoted by Alliance Swisspass, will enter a pilot phase just as Ticino prepares to collect data that could pave the way for extending the application beyond the national border. ### How Bibo works in practice The system relies on Bluetooth technology: all users need is a phone with Bluetooth enabled and the Swisspass app installed. The app automatically detects when passengers board or alight from trains, buses, or trams in Italian-speaking Switzerland—no screen interaction required. 'The system calculates the cost of the journeys taken and invoices the user in the evening,' explains Michaela Ruoss from Alliance Swisspass. It follows a similar logic to the existing EasyRide, but with one key difference: no more check-in or check-out is required, an action often forgotten by distracted commuters, which can lead to fines. ### Immediate benefits for cross-border workers For those who cross the border daily between Varese, Como, and Ticino, Bibo means saving time and bureaucracy. Until now, Ticino commuters have had to rely on: - purchasing monthly or annual passes; - validating tickets at station machines upon entry; - periodically checking their routes on portals like trasporti.ch. With Bibo, travel becomes completely automatic: the cost is calculated based on the distance traveled and the time of day, much like contactless ticketing systems already in use in some Italian cities. 'This is a step forward for the digitalization of public transport, which could also reduce queues at ticket offices...
Dettagli operativi
Bibo for cross-border workers: opportunities and challenges in daily border crossings The introduction of Bibo could revolutionise the routines of over 70,000 cross-border workers who cross the border between Italy and Ticino every day, particularly for those using the S10 (Varese-Como-Lugano), S30 (Bellinzona-Lugano) train lines and TiLo bus services. But what are the real advantages and potential pitfalls of this technology? 📊 A practical scenario: from Como to Lugano without a second thought Imagine taking the morning train from Como Nord at 7:45 AM, heading to Lugano. With Bibo, you no longer have to: - Buy a ticket at the Chiasso machine; - Remember to validate it before departure; - Report your arrival in Mendrisio or Lugano; - Worry about validation errors. The system automatically records the start of your journey when your phone detects the Bluetooth signal from the departure station and concludes it when you exit the train in Lugano. The cost will be charged directly to your Swisspass account or linked credit card, with no manual intervention required. "For commuters accustomed to flexible schedules or last-minute trips, this means less stress and smoother daily commutes," explains an employee at a Ticino-based company that has already tested a beta version of the software. ⚠️ The risks: what happens if your phone runs out of battery? One of Bibo’s key weaknesses is battery life. If your phone dies during the journey, the system may fail to record the route correctly, leaving you at risk of either not being charged or, in the worst case, facing a fine for an unpaid journey. To mitigate this risk, Alliance Swisspass recommends: - Keeping your phone fully charged; - Enabling airplane mode only after leaving the vehicle; - Having a backup plan, such as pur...
Punti chiave
How to activate Bibo: step-by-step guide for commuters If you are among the 3,000 selected for the Bibo test, here’s how to proceed to activate the system and start travelling stress-free. This procedure also applies to cross-border commuters who cross the border between Varese, Como and Ticino every day. 📊 Minimum requirements Before you begin, make sure you have: 1. A compatible smartphone (iOS 15+ or Android 10+); 2. The Swisspass app installed and updated to the latest version; 3. Bluetooth enabled on your phone; 4. A credit card or a Swisspass account linked for payments; 5. A free Alliance Swisspass account. If you don’t yet have the Swisspass app, you can download it for free from the Apple or Google Play store. Make sure to register with your personal details (name, surname, address), as the system will link your journeys to your profile. ### Activating the Bibo system 1. Turn on Bluetooth on your phone (this is essential for automatic detection). 2. Open the Swisspass app and select the ‘Activate Bibo’ option in the main menu. 3. Accept the terms of use and the privacy policy. The system will ask for permission to track your location during your journey. 4. Link a payment method: you can choose between a credit card, a Swiss bank account or your Swisspass balance. 5. Test the system with a short journey (for example, the Mendrisio-Lugano route) to ensure everything is working correctly. > «If your phone does not detect boarding, try restarting the app or resetting your Bluetooth settings. If problems persist, you can always purchase an emergency ticket via the app.» — Alliance Swisspass technical note ### Travelling with Bibo: what to do and what to avoid Once Bibo is activated, the system will work automatically. Here are some tips to avoid surprises: -...
Punti chiave
[{"q":"Who can participate in the Bibo test and how are participants selected?","a":"The test is open to around 3,000 users across Switzerland, chosen from those who already use the Swisspass app. It has not yet been confirmed whether Ticino commuters will be directly involved, but Alliance Swisspass has stated that users with travel habits similar to Italian commuters will be considered."},{"q":"What happens if I forget to enable Bluetooth before boarding the train?","a":"The system will not detect your boarding. However, you can purchase an emergency ticket via the Swisspass app within 24 hours of your trip and report the error to customer service. No fine will be issued, but the travel cost will be calculated manually."},{"q":"Can I use Bibo for Ticino’s public buses, or only for trains?","a":"Yes, Bibo works for all Swiss public transport, including trains, buses, and trams. The system will automatically detect the route taken, regardless of the mode of transport used."},{"q":"How is the price of Bibo trips calculated? Is it cheaper than a subscription?","a":"The price is based on the distance traveled and the time of travel. For a commuter traveling 50 km daily between Varese and Lugano, the daily cost with Bibo ranges from 8 to 12 CHF, while a monthly subscription costs around 200 CHF. Bibo is not always cheaper, but it offers greater flexibility."},{"q":"What happens if my phone runs out of battery during the trip?","a":"If your phone shuts down, the system will not correctly register the route. However, you can report the issue via the Swisspass app within 24 hours, and the support team will assess the case. If the route is not recorded, you may need to purchase an emergency ticket."},{"q":"Can I disable Bibo at any time?","a":"Yes, you can deactivate the featur...
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who can participate in the Bibo test and how are participants selected?
- The test is open to around 3,000 users across Switzerland, chosen from those who already use the Swisspass app. It has not yet been confirmed whether Ticino commuters will be directly involved, but Alliance Swisspass has stated that users with travel habits similar to Italian commuters will be considered.
- What happens if I forget to enable Bluetooth before boarding the train?
- The system will not detect your boarding. However, you can purchase an emergency ticket via the Swisspass app within 24 hours of your trip and report the error to customer service. No fine will be issued, but the travel cost will be calculated manually.
- Can I use Bibo for Ticino’s public buses, or only for trains?
- Yes, Bibo works for all Swiss public transport, including trains, buses, and trams. The system will automatically detect the route taken, regardless of the mode of transport used.
- How is the price of Bibo trips calculated? Is it cheaper than a subscription?
- The price is based on the distance traveled and the time of travel. For a commuter traveling 50 km daily between Varese and Lugano, the daily cost with Bibo ranges from 8 to 12 CHF, while a monthly subscription costs around 200 CHF. Bibo is not always cheaper, but it offers greater flexibility.
- What happens if my phone runs out of battery during the trip?
- If your phone shuts down, the system will not correctly register the route. However, you can report the issue via the Swisspass app within 24 hours, and the support team will assess the case. If the route is not recorded, you may need to purchase an emergency ticket.
- Can I disable Bibo at any time?
- Yes, you can deactivate the feature directly in the Swisspass app. Simply go to «Settings» > «Bibo» and disable automatic tracking. However, disabling Bibo will revert you to the traditional ticket purchase and validation system.