Betreff: Gotthard Panorama purchase with Half Fare Card

[Ken63]

   I have purchased a half fare card valid for one month, but not yet activated. I have paid the supplement and reserved seats on the Gotthard Panorama Express but have not yet purchased tickets. Must I activate the half fare card to get the discount on the Gotthard? That would require us to wait until just weeks before our June trip but I was hoping to get tickets before then. Advice?

[RolandP · Accepted solution]

Hello @Ken63 

No, a valid (Swiss) half fare card is not a prerequisite in order to buy tickets; consequently, its validity is not verified during the ticket purchase.

The only person who is interested to see your valid half fare card is the train conductor during ticket inspection.

People caught travelling with half fare tickets, yet without a valid half fare card, are subject to pay a fine, including the second half of the ticket.

Wishing you a good travel & best regards
Roland