The Liberec Region announced changes to its check-in system back in June
31. 8. 2023
Changes to the IDOL ticketing system will also affect public transportation in Liberec
The Liberec Region announced changes to the ticketing system back in June, which will take effect this Friday, September 1. The change affects the entire IDOL integrated transportation system, including public transit. What specifically will change in Liberec?
“Across the entire system, it will be possible to purchase time-based passes online, and this also applies to Liberec,” says Jan Sviták, the statutory deputy governor in charge of the transportation department. An Opuscard will not be strictly necessary to load a new pass, and passes can be purchased through the e-shop or the Idolka mobile app. The pass can be linked to an “identifier,” such as a cell phone, bank card, Opuscard+, ČD In Card ,or Prague’s Lítačka. “The last option will certainly be appreciated by residents who regularly commute to Prague and currently have two public transit cards. Now, just one will suffice,” said Jiří Šolc, Deputy Mayor of the City of Liberec for Technical Administration and Information Technology, welcoming the change. “Above all, however, we welcome the option to purchase a pass from the comfort of home,” Šolc added.
However, if a passenger chooses the Opuscard from among all the options, it’s important to note that the current type (the red card) can no longer be used to load time-based fares . “In such cases, we recommend that passengers use our e-shop and have the card mailed directly to their home, thereby avoiding the risk of longer lines,” said Otto Pospíšil, managing director of KORID LK.
Passengers will also surely notice that public transportation vehicles in Liberec will gradually be equipped with new fare validation devices that will support the new Opuscard. “For technical and organizational reasons, we will be replacing the fare collection devices during the fourth quarter,” explains Milan Červenka, Chief Financial Officer of the Liberec and Jablonec Public Transport Company. “With such a major change, it is not possible to replace all the devices at once, so we ask passengers for their patience during the transition period, which will last until approximately the end of the year,” added Červenka.
During this transition period, it will temporarily not be possible to purchase tickets on Liberec public transit vehicles for destinations outside the Liberec zone or for the Liberec–Jablonec nad Nisou route. It will also not be possible to use the electronic wallet with the new Opuscard+ (“white card”). However, the new fare collection devices will also bring several new features and improvements. In addition to paying by bank card or electronic wallet, it will be possible to purchase a single-trip ticket from Liberec. The most frequently used zones will be displayed on the control screen; for others, an additional option will be available.
Starting September 1, the so-called “check-in” process on public transit vehicles will be eliminated. “We believe this will be a customer-friendly and accommodating step for our passengers,” stated Deputy Mayor Jiří Šolc.
“We greatly value our cooperation with the City of Liberec and the Public Transport Company, and we thank them for their constructive approach. At the same time, the Liberec Region will support the equipment upgrade with a grant,” added Deputy Regional Governor Jan Sviták in conclusion.
Description of Changes
Elimination of check-in
Effective September 1, the check-in process—that is, “scanning” a card with a pre-purchased and loaded ticket after boarding a public transit vehicle—has been eliminated on Liberec public transit vehicles.
Individual Tickets on the Liberec Public Transportation Network
It will still be possible to purchase a paper public transit ticket from the network of vendors (or through the driver’s on-board sales).
It will still be possible to use SMS tickets.
Starting in December 2021, single-ride tickets can also be purchased via a mobile app, either through the DPMLJ app (for public transit options, which is easier to use) or the Idolka app (for the full IDOL range).
It will be possible to purchase a ticket directly on the vehicle using an electronic wallet. However, until the end of the year, this will only be possible with the older “red” Opuscard. With the new “white” Opuscard+, this will be possible starting in the new year.
Starting in 2024 (the exact date is yet to be determined), it will also be possible to pay for individual tickets with a bank card on public transit vehicles. When paying by bank card on Liberec public transit vehicles, the proof of fare will be a paper ticket printed for the passenger by the fare collection device.
Single-Ride Tickets Outside Liberec
Until now, with the exception of the Liberec–Jablonec nad Nisou route, purchasing a through ticket involved two steps: First, a ticket was purchased on the public transit vehicle, followed by a “top-up” (additional payment) when transferring to a train or bus. However, this system is being phased out.
Starting in the new year, it will be possible to purchase a ticket to the IDOL destination zone directly on the public transit vehicle. During the transition period, however, we recommend using the Idolka mobile app.
Time and Network Coupons
While currently all coupons are loaded only onto the Opuscard, it will now be possible to link them to an “identifier,” which can be:
- a mobile phone or the Idolka app;
- a bank card;
- a new type of chip card—Opuscard+ (“white card”);
- partner cards: In-karta (České dráhy) and Lítačka (PID system).
Conversely, starting September 1, it will no longer be possible to load a coupon onto the old type of Opuscard (“red card”).
Passengers can then conveniently purchase time-based or network-based coupons in the online store or directly in the Idolka mobile app. Advance sales will continue to be available at OPUSCARD/IDOL contact points.
Passengers who are eligible for a state-mandated discount must have it confirmed (verified) at an OPUSCARD/IDOL contact point.
Opuscard Replacement
It is important to reiterate that passengers will no longer necessarily need an Opuscard. It will be possible to use another form of identification or payment method.
However, this system will remain in place, particularly for passengers who are unable or unwilling to use their payment card or mobile phone.
The Opuscard (“red card”) will need to be replaced with a new one (“white card”). For this purpose, KORID LK recommends using the e-shop. There, passengers can purchase the card at a discount, and it will be mailed to their home address.
If a passenger decides to visit a service location, the following locations are available in Liberec:
- IDOL/OPUSCARD Customer Service Center | U Jezu 525/4 | card replacement and purchase of a new pass
- The Customer Service Center will also be open on the weekends of September 2–3 and September 9–10 (8 a.m.–4 p.m. each day)
- Frýdlantská Service Center | Frýdlantská 183 | card replacement and ticket purchase
- Liberec Bus Station | Vaňurova 885 | card applications accepted, pass purchases
- Fügnerova Public Transportation Terminal | Fügnerova 643 | card applications accepted, coupons available for purchase
- Time-based coupons will also be available for purchase at train ticket offices starting September 1.
Passengers can find all the necessary information on the website www.iidol.cz/idolplus, on the IDOL Facebook page, and on public transportation vehicles. Passengers can also direct any questions to the KORID LK Helpdesk atinfo@korid.cz and the customer service line at 488 588 788.
Mgr. Filip Trdla
Spokesperson for the Region and the Regional Office