Up to two months of waiting to obtain a Swisspass
A shortage of electronic chips is likely to slow down the obtaining of public transport subscriptions for 50,000 customers.
The problem mainly affects new Swisspass customers and those whose subscription needs to be replaced (illustrative image).
KEYSTONE/GAETAN BALLY
Customers must be patient to obtain a Swisspass card. Due to a shortage of microchips, the wait can last up to two months. This problem could affect up to 50,000 public transport subscription customers.
The people most affected are new customers and those whose subscription needs to be replaced, a spokesperson for the Swisspass Alliance told Keystone-ATS on Saturday, confirming information from Tages-Anzeiger. But there is a transition solution on paper.
The problem affects approximately 1% of all subscription holders. The Swisspass is particularly affected because two semiconductors are integrated into it. Normally, the waiting period is seven to fifteen days.
Improvement expected in early 2023
Delivery problems got worse last summer. The Swisspass Alliance estimates that the situation should ease at the beginning of next year.
In 2015, the Swisspass replaced the general season ticket and the half-fare. The SwissPass Alliance brings together 250 transport companies and 17 fare communities. In addition to public transport, the card allows you to use partner services, such as access to car sharing or charging ski passes.
According to the spokesperson for the Swisspass Alliance, almost three million half-price season tickets and 430,000 general season tickets are currently in circulation.
Shortage
Semiconductors are found in almost all electronic products, for example in cards, but also in smartphones, computers, cars or even medical devices.
During the coronavirus pandemic, a shortage caused price hikes and problems in delivery chains. Production capacities are mainly in Taiwan.
ATS
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