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PubliCar: Frequently Asked Questions
With the PubliCar app you can easily and conveniently book an individual trip on your smartphone.
Detailed information and the key questions about the SmartShuttles can be found on the relevant information page.
PubliCar-App
What is the PubliCar App?
The PubliCar App is a mobile application (Android and iOS) that allows users to order PubliCar transport services. The operator of the PubliCar App is PostBus Ltd.
How does the installation of the app work?
Download the app from the Google Play Store (Android) or App Store (iOS).
You will be asked to enter your mobile phone number for registration. You will then receive a code by SMS to enter in the app for confirmation.
You can also add your e-mail address so that you receive a receipt for your payment transactions and can order the newsletter if desired. The e-mail address also needs to be verified. You will receive a confirmation link by e-mail for this.
The registration requires you to accept the conditions of use and the data protection statement.
Ordering
How does ordering work?
Journeys with PubliCar can be ordered with the PubliCar App. Alternatively, telephone ordering is possible in certain areas. Please note the information for the relevant PubliCar area regarding this.
When ordering, you need to provide the pick-up and drop-off location and your chosen departure or arrival time. In certain areas, you may also need to provide the number of luggage items. Ideally, you will also provide a telephone number on which we can contact you in the event of delays, for example.
A time slot for arrival will be provided to you when booking. If you select arrival time (e.g. for rail connections or doctors’ appointments), you will be at your drop-off location by the chosen time at the latest. If you choose departure time, you will be at the drop-off location within the time slot.
In the PubliCar app, the area served is brightly colored.
Booking the return journey
You can easily book the return journey by choosing the relevant booking in your account under “Booked journeys”, tapping on the three dots to the right and selecting “Return journey”.
Frequently used route
If you often travel on the same route, you can easily book the journey by choosing the relevant booking in your account under “Booked journeys”, tapping on the three dots to the right and selecting “Book again”.
What should be noted when entering the number of passengers?
The total number of passengers, including children, must be specified when ordering.
If a customer wishes to increase the total number of passengers after confirming the order, a new, separate order must be made for the additional passengers.
How many people can be booked at once?
The maximum number of bookable people depends on the area. Please see the details under the appropriate area.
What should you be aware of before submitting an order?
Before you confirm your order, please check that these details are correct: pick-up and drop-off location, time, number of passengers and luggage (luggage details depend on area).
Please note that the pick-up point for PubliCar is normally the address provided by you. In some cases, it may be a joint collection point to allow the rapid pick-up of several individuals.
If you do not take a journey that you have ordered (“no show”), PubliCar reserves the right to charge a fee.
How far in advance do I need to order the PubliCar?
It is possible to order at short notice. In order to ensure availability, however, early ordering is recom-mended. An order may be made up to a maximum of 30 days in advance.
Prices
What does a PubliCar journey cost?
A normal public transport ticket at the national rate or using the local fare network (single tickets, multi-ple-trip tickets, 1-day travelpasses, multi-day travelpasses, travelcards) must be purchased for the jour-ney. Half-Fare travelcards, GA travelcards, junior and child co-travelcards are valid.
Additionally, a surcharge is applied for PubliCar. You can find more detailed information about the rates in the information for the relevant PubliCar area.
How can payments be made?
Public transport tickets for the zones/routes can be purchased via the usual sales channels (online or sales outlets).
The PubliCar surcharge can be paid via the app using credit and prepaid cards (in the future also with debit cards).
Alternatively, payment of the public transport ticket and the PubliCar surcharge can also be made to the driver.
When will the PubliCar surcharge amount be charged to my credit card?
- For a single ticket, the PubliCar surcharge amount will be charged to your credit card at the end of the journey.
- When purchasing a multiple-trip ticket or a monthly travelcard for the PubliCar surcharge (service depends on the area), the amount will be charged to your credit card at the time of purchase.
- The remaining credit on your multiple-trip ticket for the PubliCar surcharge will be shown in your account.
Are ticket inspections carried out?
Ticket inspections may be carried out. If it is found that a passenger has not paid the PubliCar surcharge or for a public transport ticket, the person will be charged a fee in accordance with the directive “Travelling without a valid ticket” at www.ticketcontrol.ch.
Changes and cancellations
Can an order be cancelled?
A confirmed PubliCar order can be cancelled free of charge providing it is undertaken at least one hour before the pick-up time. This applies to bookings made in the app only, or by telephone during opening hours. In addition, for all orders, you have one minute to cancel the order you have just placed.
PubliCar reserves the right to charge a cancellation fee.
Can a completed order be changed?
You need to cancel the journey ordered and make a new order with the new details.
Journey
How can I find out the pick-up and arrival time?
The PubliCar app shows the pick-up and arrival times. When ordering, a time slot will be shown for the arrival time. This allows journeys with similar destinations to be combined. Small detours are possible as a result.
For pre-bookings, you will be notified of the expected arrival time of the PubliCar 30 minutes be-fore the earliest possible pick-up time at the agreed collection point. You can track where your vehicle is located using the map in the app.
The pick-up time can also always be found under the tab “Booked journeys”.
If, in exceptional cases, the PubliCar happens to be running late, you will receive a push notification on your smartphone provided that push notifications have been activated in your settings. If you have made a reservation by telephone, you will be contacted by the driver in the event of a major incident.
Where can I see the pick-up point in the app?
The pick-up point is shown in your order and in the travel details.
Depending on the particular PubliCar area, you will be collected from your front door, another agreed boarding location or from a stop.
In Yverdon, pick-ups and drop-offs are only possible at PostBus stops and at the hospital stop. General information about PubliCar Vaud
What do I need to show on boarding?
The booking code provided in the app serves as your confirmation and must be given to the driver when you board. When ordering a PubliCar for another person, this person also needs to be able to give the driver the booking code.
What happens if I am running late?
The vehicle cannot wait for an individual user beyond the agreed pick-up time.
If you have saved your phone number in the app or have provided it when making an order by phone, the driver can contact you if clarification is needed.
What happens if the PubliCar is running late?
You will be notified of the expected pick-up time shortly before the journey. The time may differ by a few minutes due to the current traffic situation. In unforeseen situations, the driver will contact you.
If you are travelling to an appointment or are changing to another means of transport, please select the arrival time when booking.
Travel information
Are dogs permitted in the PubliCar?
Dogs may be carried in the PubliCar and a half-fare must be purchased for them.
Exception: you may carry small dogs of up to 30 cm in height at the withers in transport boxes, baskets or other receptacles suitable for carrying animals free of charge – as you would with hand luggage. If a seat is taken, a half-fare must be purchased. The surcharge will not be applied.
The driver may refuse to carry dogs which can be expected to cause disruption or which will be danger-ous to other passengers or the driver.
Luggage
The luggage is carried in the passenger area; space is limited.
Lost property
Search requests for lost property can be made using this form.
Are the vehicles suitable for people with limited mobility?
The PubliCar vehicles are suitable for people with limited mobility and wheelchair transport.
If you have a wheelchair, this must be indicated when booking.
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