PubliCar

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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. 

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.

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.

Legal aspects

The General Terms and Conditions of PubliCar apply. 

Coronavirus

The latest information on the coronavirus also apply for PubliCar.

PubliCar Vaud

General information about PubliCar Vaud

Ordering

Fare

Service and contact centers

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Book with ease using the smartphone app

With PubliCar, it couldn’t be simpler : book your next trip with the new PubliCar app:

A) Download the PubliCar App from the Google Play Store (Android) or App Store (iOS) or call the reservation number 0800 60 30 60.
B) Book your journey: enter and confirm the pick-up and drop-off location and your chosen time 
C) Make a cashless payment of the surcharge via the app 
D) Board the vehicle and enjoy the journey

The benefits of the PubliCar app

  • Choice available between departure time and arrival time. If you have a train connection or a scheduled appointment, please select the arrival time*
  • Make bookings for several people
  • Share bookings on WhatsApp and via other social media
  • Surcharges can be paid by credit card
  • Your current position and the vehicle’s current position are both shown on the map
  • You can combine trips that have similar destinations
  • Push notifications are sent in the event of delays if these are activated in the settings
  • A booking code is issued for each order. This code must be presented to the driver when boarding.
  • An overview of previous bookings. The departure and arrival locations can be copied into a new booking

* Bookings may be made at short notice up to 15 to 30 minutes before departure, though it depends on the stops and how full the bus is. If you have a fixed appointment or demand is high, we recommend that you make your booking in advance. The PubliCar app allows you to make bookings up to 30 days before your trip.

Night service timetable and regions covered

The night zone allows you to travel within a blue and green zone, but you cannot travel from a blue zone to another blue zone. Railway journeys are also not included (Lausanne–Echallens–Bercher Railway; Swiss Federal Railways; Travys) The app suggests* a possible journey and times based on your request, provided it can be met by the zones covered and timetable available.

*The area covered is highlighted in the PubliCar app.

Friday and Saturday 22.00–01.00 h

Horaires de jour (zones 4 et 9 uniquement) avec service de porte à porte

Zone: 4 – Thierrens

Day Time
Friday 22.00–01.00 h
Saturday 07h00–11h00
14h30–19h30
22h00–01h00
Sunday and public holidays* 09h00–12h00
14h30–19h00

Zone: 9 – Orbe

Day Time
Saturday 08.00–12.30 h
14.00–18.45 h
Sunday and public holidays* 09.00–12.30 h
14.00–18.45 h

Bookings over the phone

Alternatively, we still accept bookings over the phone on 0800 60 30 60 (free of charge) seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

  • Arrange your trip with the operator once you have given them your first name and surname, the date of travel, starting point (PubliCar stop), your destination (PubliCar stop), your preferred arrival time and the number of people travelling.
  • PubliCar will confirm your booking and pick you up at the time and place agreed. 
  • The passenger must be at the location agreed five minutes before departure. 

You can make bookings and cancel bookings up to one hour beforehand over the phone (during head office opening hours).
For departures before 9 a.m., you can make bookings over the phone up to 60 minutes before the head office closes the day before at the latest. 
PostBus reserves the right to put people travelling on the same route together.
 

Price

The same pricing conditions for timetabled services apply here*, except a pick-up surcharge of CHF 5.00 will apply per passenger and per journey, unless there is a promotion.

A card for 6 rides is available from the drivers for CHF 30.00.

*List of public and cantonal holidays: 
25 and 26 December 2020, 1 and 2 January 2021, 2 April 2021, 5 April 2021, 13 May 2021, 24 May 2021, 1 August 2021, 20 September 2021.

Important information

  • If you book a trip using the app, you can cancel it 30 minutes before pick-up at the latest if you no longer require it.
  • If the number of travellers changes, the journey must be cancelled and a new booking made.
  • PubliCar vehicles have free WiFi access.

Service and contact centers

Please contact us if you cannot find an answer to your question: 

PostBus Ltd
Western Switzerland sector
Avenue de la Gare 6
P.O. Box
1401 Yverdon-les-Bains

Telephone
0848 40 20 40 (national rate)
Monday–Friday: 09.00 – 12.00 h / 14.00 – 17.00 h

E-mail
ouest@postbus.ch

PubliCar Appenzell

General information about PubliCar Appenzell

Ordering

Fare

Service and contact centers

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How does PubliCar Appenzell work?

A) Download the PubliCar App from the Google Play Store (Android) or App Store (iOS) or call the reservation number 0848 55 30 60.
B) Book your journey: enter and confirm the pick-up and drop-off location and your chosen time 
C) Make a cashless payment of the surcharge via the app 
D) Board the vehicle and enjoy the journey

What are the operating times of PubliCar Appenzell?

Monday to Thursday  6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Friday and Saturday  6 a.m. to 11.30 p.m.
Sunday and general public holidays  7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

What towns are served?

The operating area covers the Canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden with these permanently inhabited towns:

Brülisau, Eggerstanden, Enggenhütten, Göbsi, Gonten, Gontenbad, Haslen, Hirschberg, Jakobsbad, Kau, Lehmen/Triebern, Lehn, Meistersrüte, Obere Steinegg, Rapisau, Sammelplatz, Schlatt, Schwarzenegg, Schwende, Sonnenhalb, Steinegg, Wasserauen, Weissbad.

The operating area is also highlighted in the app, which uses GPS to show at all times whether and where I am located in the operating area.

PubliCar Appenzell travels on the most direct route from the area served by PubliCar to Stein AR and Teufen AR. There are connections to the Appenzeller Railways in many towns.

Ordering

Order 24/7 via the app

PubliCar can be ordered around the clock via the app for use within its operating times.

Maximum number of people per booking

Bookings via the app can be made for a maximum of nine people.

For 10 people or more, a group reser-vation must be made at least two working days before the journey by calling 0848 55 30 60. 

When can the call center be contacted by phone?

Monday to Thursday  6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Friday and Saturday  6 a.m. to 11.30 p.m.
Sunday and general public holidays  7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Fare

What ticket needs to be purchased for the journey?

The PubliCar fare comprises a public transport ticket and the PubliCar surcharge. Junior and child co-travelcards are recognized. The current tariff provisions apply to dogs and luggage.

Public transport ticket
A ticket at the national rate or OSTWIND fare network (single ticket, multiple-trip ticket, 1-day travelpass, multi-day travelpass, travelcards) must be purchased for a PubliCar journey. Half-fare travelcards, GA travelcards, junior and child co-travelcards and the Appenzeller Holiday Card are recognized.

Groups of 10 people or more will receive a discount of 30 percent on the public transport ticket.
 

What are the surcharges?

Single surcharge  CHF 5.00
Multiple-trip ticket  CHF 27.50
(six journeys for the price of 5 ½)
Monthly travelcard  CHF 100.00
Annual travelcard  CHF 900.00

Ticket sales

Distance-dependent tickets for the journey can be purchased directly from the driver, online via the usual public transport sales channels (e.g. the SBB app) or from your nearest sales outlet (e.g. Appenzell railway station).

The surcharge is payable by credit card via the PubliCar App or to the driver. To purchase an annual pass for the surcharge, please contact us by e-mail at info@postbus.ch or telephone +41 848 55 30 60

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, 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. 

Service and contact centers

Please contact us if you cannot find an answer to your question: 

PostBus AG
St. Leonhardstrasse 20
9000 St. Gallen

Phone: 0848 55 30 60
E-mail: info@postbus.ch 
 

  • Karte von Publicar Appenzell Einsatzgebiet

PubliCar Thusis

Frequently asked questions on the PubliCar Thusis evening services

The following FAQs apply specifically to “PubliCar Thusis”. They supplement the general information on PubliCar.

How do I order a journey with the PubliCar Thusis evening services?

What are the hours for over-the-phone bookings?

Daily from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

What are the operating times for the Thusis evening services?

  • PubliCar Thusis operates daily from 7.30 p.m.
  • It covers the routes and bus stops/locations indicated in the timetable.
  • Detailed information can be found in the online timetable and in the timetables for the individual routes, or in the Graubünden timetable.

When can PubliCar Thusis bookings/orders be made?

  • Journeys must be booked one hour before departure at the latest (route 541 from Hinterrhein towards Thusis, two hours before departure).
  • Pre-booked journeys can be cancelled up to one hour before the departure time. Journeys from Hinterrhein towards Thusis can be cancelled up to two hours before the departure time.
  • Bookings are required for the journeys, except those starting from “Thusis, Bahnhof”. However, we recommend that you also book journeys from this location, to ensure that the service runs on time and that enough space is available.

What towns are served?

PubliCar Thusis covers the following routes and locations:

Route Service times
501 Tomils, Curschiglias–Oberscheid–Trans–Feldis 9 p.m. – midnight
511 Thusis–Cazis–Rothenbrunnen 7.30 p.m. – 11.30 p.m.
512 Thusis–Sils–Rothenbrunnen 7.30 p.m. – 12.30 a.m.
531 Thusis–Obertschappina 7.30 p.m. – midnight
532 Thusis–Präz 7.30 p.m. – midnight
541 Thusis–Andeer–Hinterrhein 9.30 p.m. – 12.30 a.m.
551 Andeer–Zillis–Farden 9.30 p.m. – 12.30 a.m.
552 Andeer–Ferrera, Innerferrera 8.45 p.m. – 12.30 a.m.
570 Thusis–Tiefencastel–Bergün 11.30 p.m. – 12.30 a.m. (Friday and Saturday nights only)

There may be slight changes to the departure and arrival times depending on how many people get on and off the bus en route.

How does the PubliCar App work?

  • When you open the PubliCar App for the first time after installing it, a prompt will appear asking you to enter your phone number. You can activate the PubliCar App in just a few steps.
  • An SMS is sent to your number during the activation process. This will contain a PIN code. When you enter the PIN code in the PubliCar App, the app is activated. During this process, you will also be asked to accept the conditions of use and the data protection statement (link to general data protection and storage of user data for market research and marketing purposes).
  • “PubliCar App” refers to a mobile application (Android and iOS) called PubliCar that allows users to order PubliCar transport services. The operator of the PubliCar App is PostBus Ltd. PostBus recommends that users be at least 14 years of age to purchase services with the PubliCar App.

How does ordering work?

  • Before you confirm your order, please check that the following details are correct for the PubliCar Thusis service: pick-up and drop-off location, time, number of passengers.
  • The total number of passengers, including children, must be specified when ordering.
  • A journey ordered via PubliCar Thusis only entitles the number of passengers specified in the order to travel. If the number of passengers changes, you will need to cancel the journey and book a new one. If a customer enters another order with new passengers, we cannot guarantee that new passengers will be able to board the same vehicle with the passengers who had already booked.

What about prices and buying tickets?

Are ticket inspections carried out?

Ticket inspections are carried out. If a passenger is found not to have a valid ticket, they will be fined in accordance with the requirements for “Travelling without a valid ticket”.

Can I cancel a trip?

A confirmed PubliCar Thusis order can be cancelled free of charge if cancelled at least one hour before the earliest possible pick-up time. In addition, for all orders, you have one minute to cancel the order you have just placed.

How do I use the evening services?

  • Please ensure you arrive at the bus stop in good time for departure. If the traveller is not there at the published time, PubliCar Thusis must continue its journey without the registered person.
  • Travellers should book their trip via the app and activate notifications so they can be contacted and notified about potential delays.
  • 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 Thusis for another person, they must also be able to give the driver the PubliCar Thusis booking code.

How do I find out the departure and arrival times and about delays?

  • The PubliCar App shows the departure and arrival times according to the timetable. For pre-bookings, you will be notified of the expected arrival time of the PubliCar Thusis before the earliest possible departure time. You can track where your vehicle is located using the map in the app.
  • Depending on how many people get on or off en route or the current traffic situation, slight differences in the departure or arrival time are possible. Departure and arrival times should, however, remain within the scheduled time slot.
  • In unforeseen situations, the driver will contact you. As a rule, the PubliCar Thusis will not be able to wait for you if the driver does not see you at the relevant bus stop at the right time according to the timetable. Seeing as additional passengers may board the bus en route, the bus must be able to stick to its schedule.

Are there vehicles suitable for people with limited mobility?

PubliCar Thusis has vehicles that are suitable for people with limited mobility and wheelchair transport. Please make any bookings over the phone at 0848 000 848.

Contacts

  • Please get in touch with us if you are unable to find answers to your questions in the general information on PubliCar or if you would like to give us feedback.
  • E-mail: info@postbus.ch
  • Making bookings using the app ensures we can contact you about any questions or any unplanned disruptions.