Ticket inspections in Idolka are also conducted offline

Did you know that you can check in with a valid ticket on IDOL even when you’re offline? In the Liberec Region—specifically within the IDOL network—there are many places with poor or no cell service, and therefore no data connection.

Key functions for searching for connections, purchasing a ticket, or activating it require a data connection. Once activated—whether it’s a valid ticket or one set for a specific time—the ticket already contains the necessary information (including the QR code) from the moment of activation, so it doesn’t require a data connection afterward.

What situations might arise when verifying a valid ticket in the offline version, and how can you avoid an unwanted surprise?

• Keep the Idolka app with a valid ticket running in the background on your phone. This ensures it’s ready for validation regardless of signal strength.
• If you know from experience where signal quality prevents reliable check-in, activate your ticket at home before heading to the stop. You can set the validity period in advance as needed, for example, based on the schedule at the stop where you’ll be boarding.
• If you’re in an area where the signal is very poor (such as in mountainous terrain or tunnels) but doesn’t disappear completely, opening the app and attempting to check in may cause it to get stuck in a signal-search loop, thereby preventing it from launching. By intentionally turning off data completely (for example, using “Airplane Mode”), you’ll launch Idolka directly in Offline mode, but the valid ticket is already stored in the app and ready to be read. The “Communication Error” message simply indicates a lack of data, and you can proceed to the ticket tab.

A valid single-ride ticket in Idolka—whether with or without data—is read by the validation device just like a paper ticket, and the device can verify whether the information in the QR code matches the fare correctly paid at the inspection point.

The assignment of a valid time-based ticket to an identifier works on a similar principle, albeit with a slight difference. The validation device can verify validity regardless of whether an Opuscard+ or an Idolka without a data connection is used.

In conclusion:

• To search for a route, purchase, and activate a ticket, you must be online;
• to validate an already valid ticket, you can be online or offline.

Download the information guide in PDF format here