The terms and conditions of purchase and travel were last updated on October 4, 2024.
Information about our Terms and conditions of purchase and travel
Here you will find information about the terms that apply:
- When you buy tickets.
- When you travel with Västtrafik and with the transport companies that Västtrafik engages.
- When you are in areas, other than on vehicles, for which Västtrafik has responsibility, such as terminals, stops and track areas.
Validity period of the terms and conditions
Terms and conditions of purchase and travel that are currently in effect are published here on our website. Västtrafik reserves the right to amend these terms and conditions of purchase and travel without prior notice. The terms and conditions that are in effect during the purchase of your ticket are applicable during the whole ticket's validity period, even if the terms and conditions are changed after the ticket is purchased.
Your responsibility for your ticket and bank card
You are responsible for ensuring that your ticket or the mobile device you use to buy mobile tickets are not used by unauthorised persons. You are also responsible for ensuring that the correct payment card is used in the Västtrafik To Go app.
Mobile devices
If your ticket is on a mobile device, you must ensure that this is charged for the duration of your journey. This is necessary in order for you to be able to produce a valid ticket.
Different companies have different rules
Västtrafik works closely with several public transport operators, such as SJ and Hallandstrafiken. The terms and conditions of purchase and travel of other companies may vary slightly from those of Västtrafik. It is your responsibility as a passenger to comply with the rules that apply when you travel.
Västtrafik customer service
You can contact Västtrafik customer service through digital channels such as chat, email and Facebook, as well as by telephone on 0771-41 43 00. For more information, visit Västtrafik’s website.
The terms and conditions of travel apply in conjunction with the Swedish Law and Order Act, the Swedish Rail Security Act, the Swedish Vessels Act, the Swedish Act on the Rights of Public Transport Passengers, the Swedish Motor Traffic Damage Act, the Swedish Railway Act, the Swedish Rail Traffic Act, the Swedish Act on the Safety of Underground Rail and Tramways, the Swedish Maritime Act, the Swedish Personal Data Act, GDPR, the Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on rail passengers’ rights and obligations, the Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the rights of passengers in bus and coach transport and in conjunction with other applicable legislation.
A number of different terms are used in these terms and conditions of purchase and travel. Most of them are defined below.
Activation
An action that means a ticket becomes valid.
Activation period
The period during which a ticket must be activated after being purchased.
Ticket
A Västtrafikkort, a physical ticket or a mobile ticket that entitles the holder to travel.
Single ticket
A ticket for an unlimited number of journeys within its validity and within a defined zone.
Note! On Koster island ferries and for demand-responsive transport a single ticket is not valid for an unlimited number of journeys, but only for one journey.
Vehicles
A vehicle is a bus, tram, train, ferry or car, for example.
Delay compensation
Compensation you can claim if your journey is delayed.
Sales channel
Place of method of sale of Västtrafik tickets.
Point of sale
Västtrafik shops or agents that sell Västtrafik tickets.
Valid ID document
Västtrafik accepts the following as valid ID documents: all passports, Swedish ID documents approved by the Swedish Bankers’ Association, the Swedish Migration Board’s LMA card, a receipt for an asylum application or a residence permit, as well as national ID cards within the EU.
Validity
The validity period and the zone or zones for which a ticket is valid.
Validity receipt
A printed paper slip from Västtrafik showing that the Västtrafikkort is valid and has been activated, which period ticket and validity period are on the card and which profile (adult/youth/off-peak) the ticket has.
Certificate card
A card issued by Västtrafik for those with a benefit claimant certificate from the Swedish Social Insurance Agency. Allows an adult to travel using a youth period ticket or flex ticket.
Pay-as-you-go
Loading money onto a Västtrafikkort.
Customer service
Västtrafik’s customer service, which helps customers with enquiries about travelling with Västtrafik. Contact through digital channels such as chat, email and Facebook, as well as by telephone on 0771-41 43 00.
Line journey/trip
A journey to the terminus of the line using a single vehicle.
My Account
An e-service that provides access to personal information and services.
Mobile ticket
A ticket on a mobile device.
Mobile device
A mobile phone, tablet or other device that can be used to buy and receive mobile tickets, as well as information about service disruptions, for example.
Area
One or more continuous zones for which a ticket is valid.
Period ticket
A ticket that is valid for an unlimited number of journeys during its validity period and within a specified area.
Personal ticket
A ticket that is valid only for a specific person.
Passenger
A person who is travelling, or intends to travel, with Västtrafik with a valid ticket.
The Travel planner
A service on Västtrafik’s website and the Travel planner app where you can search for journeys.
Student
A person with a valid student ID from a valid issuer bearing the student travel logo. Students pay a reduced price for certain tickets. The student ID must be valid for the entire time that the season ticket is valid. For valid issuers, see our webpage about student discount.
Public transport authority
A company that is responsible for the public transport within a region.
Transport staff
Drivers, on-board staff, ticket inspectors, customer service staff or traffic controllers who wear a uniform or a badge or otherwise clearly indicate that they are transport staff.
Inspection
Check that a ticket is valid. Inspection is carried out by Västtrafik’s bus drivers, train conductors, boat crew and ticket inspectors, among others.
Voucher
A means of payment that is issued by Västtrafik. These are valid for payment in Västtrafik ticket offices and at Västtrafik's sales agents.
Promotional code
A promotional code is one issued by Västtrafik or one of its agents that can be converted to Västtrafik points in your To Go app. Promotional codes may also apply to specific products and campaigns.
Västtrafik
Västtrafik AB and the transport companies and other companies that Västtrafik engages to provide public transport services.
Västtrafik's customer centre
Västtrafik’s own shop at the Nils Ericson Terminal providing sales and service.
Västtrafikkort
A card from Västtrafik onto which you can load tickets.
Västtrafik points
Västtrafik points are points you earn by buying tickets using the Västtrafik To Go app or by redeeming promotional codes. Each point corresponds to one krona. Västtrafik points can then be used to buy tickets in the Västtrafik To Go app.
Västtrafik points balance
Your Västtrafik points balance is the number of Västtrafik points you have and which can be used to buy tickets in the Västtrafik To Go app.
Zone
A contiguous delimited area which is used for pricing travel with Västtrafik.
General terms and conditions of travel
When you travel or intend to travel with Västtrafik, you must as a passenger always be able to show your ticket to train conductors, drivers, boat crew and ticket inspectors who work for Västtrafik. You may be asked to show your ticket on board, before boarding or when entering the stop area and train platform.
Your right to travel is always dependent on there being enough space. You cannot reserve or book a space on Västtrafik’s vehicles. This also applies if you are travelling with a pram, pushchair, rollator, wheelchair or dog. Västtrafik cannot guarantee you a seat or even space on board when you change to another line.
The timetable is approximate, so you should be at the stop well in advance. The fact that the timetable is approximate means that a vehicle can depart a few minutes before or after the specified time in the timetable. Exceptions apply to regulatory stops, the boldly marked stops in the timetable, where the vehicle must, as far as possible, depart according to the timetable.
If you intend to travel on a deparure that is scheduled to depart within the validity period of your ticket, you may do so even if the vehicle is delayed.
Before boarding, you must check which ticket is required for the journey and whether you need to have a printed validity receipt with you. The driver may start driving before you have presented a valid ticket.
Vehicles operating timetabled services only stop at a stop if you are waiting there and clearly indicate that you wish to board or if you are on board and you notify the driver in good time that you wish to alight. If there are stop buttons on board the vehicle, you should use these to notify the driver that you wish to alight at the next stop.
Vehicles in scheduled traffic operating timetabled services may pass a stop without stopping in the event that:
- The vehicle is crowded with passengers and nobody wants to get off.
- The traffic control management has given an instruction concerning this.
- A person standing at the stop who desires to board the bus is behaving in such a manner that there appears to be a risk of disturbance to public order or safety on-board (e.g. if the person appears to be intoxicated or is carrying a dangerous object).
- The vehicle unable to stop for reasons or events outside of Västtrafik’s control.
All passengers must leave the vehicle when it reaches the terminus. The driver and other transport staff have the right to eject people who do not get off the vehicle.
Directions and instructions from the driver or other transport staff must always be followed. Passengers who do not comply with the rules of conduct and bans may be ejected. On ejection from the vehicle the passenger forfeits their ticket, their right to a refund and their right to continue their journey.
The driver's or other transport staff's interpretation of the rules is always final and must be adhered to without exception.
Rules of conduct are there to ensure the safety, comfort and well-being of all those on board. On Västtrafik’s vehicles it is prohibited to:
- Disturb the driver while he/she is driving.
- Consume alcohol.
- Smoke (includes a ban on e-cigarettes and smoking in shelters).
- Take objects on board that could cause a disturbance or discomfort to other passengers.
- Take luggage on board that is flammable, explosive or in any other way dangerous.
- Take animals on board that are venomous or dangerous in any other way.
- Take objects on board with the intention of using them to damage the interior of the vehicle or other property at stops, etc.
- Use mobile phones, play music etc. in a way that causes a disturbance or discomfort to other passengers. Even using headphones can cause a disturbance.
- Play a musical instrument without permission from Västtrafik.
- Hold interviews, give out advertising, sell goods or similar activities (except with written consent from Västtrafik that can be shown throughout the journey).
- Collect money in collection tins etc. (except with written consent from Västtrafik that can be shown throughout the journey).
- Drop litter or vandalise.
- Use roller skates, skateboards etc.
- Prevent a door from closing, open a door by force or attempt to open a door.
- Protrude any object or part of your body outside the vehicle.
- Loiter on or outside a vehicle.
- Throw anything from the vehicle.
- Interfere with operational or signalling equipment or similar.
- Misuse the alarm system, emergency exit, emergency equipment, etc.
- Enter areas that are restricted for the general public, as indicated by signs, fences, etc. (e.g. track areas and tunnels).
It is not permitted to smoke or use e-cigarettes on Västtrafik vehicles, in premises, at transit stops, outside entrances to Västtrafik's travel centre and ticket offices as well as on platforms or similar.
Child
Passengers who are 0 to 6 years old are classed as children.
For safety reasons, children under the age of six cannot travel unaccompanied.
Children aged six and above may travel unaccompanied if they have their own valid ticket (youth ticket).
Children travel free of charge on Västtrafik’s vehicles when accompanied by an adult/youth within the Västra Götaland region and within Kungsbacka municipality. With all tickets other than school travel cards, adults/youths can take with them as many children as they are able to take full responsibility for.
Youth
Passengers who are 7 to 19 years old are classed as youths.
Youths pay a reduced price on certain tickets.
Youth tickets must be activated before you turn 20 years old. For example, if you buy a youth ticket before your 20th birthday and you activate the ticket after your 20th birthday, it's not valid for you. You must then exchange your ticket in one of Västtrafik's stores.
Adult
Passengers aged 20 and above are classed as adults.
Offer for accompanying passengers in Västtrafik To Go
Customers who are 20 years or older and who have a period ticket for an adult in Västtrafik To Go have the possibility to bring up to three passengers between the ages of 7 and 19 with them on their period ticket without paying an additional charge. To take advantage of the offer, the passenger must activate the function on the ticket in Västtrafik To Go prior to travelling with the accompanying passengers. The offer is valid for 24 hours, 72 hours, 30 days, 90 days or 365 days for adults. The offer does not apply to period tickets issued on a Västtrafik travel card nor to paper tickets. The offer only applies to Västtrafik’s vehicles and Öresundståg within Västtrafik's area.
Prams/pushchairs
Prams/pushchairs can be carried on vehicles if there is enough space. The brakes must be applied on prams/pushchairs throughout the journey and if fastening devices are provided on board, these must be used. Prams/pushchairs must be positioned so that they do not cause an obstruction to other passengers or block emergency exits. The driver is not obliged to assist with boarding or alighting with a pram/pushchair.
Luggage
Luggage that you are able to carry yourself is free of charge. Luggage must not cause an obstruction to other passengers, occupy a seat, block emergency exits, hinder or obscure the driver’s view or in any other way affect safety and security on board. Bulky luggage must be stored in the appropriate place. Separate regulations and prices apply for the carrying of luggage on Västtrafik ferry services.
Seat belts
Seat belts must be used where these are provided on the vehicle.
Pets
Animals must be on a lead or in a cage or bag and are not permitted to sit on their own seat.
You may only have with you as many animals as you can supervise and manage. Be sure to show consideration to your fellow travellers. You should also remember that problems can arise if there are already other animals on board when you join the vehicle. Onboard staff are fully entitled to decide how many animals can be taken on board.
Out of consideration for passengers with allergies, animals must travel at the rear of buses or trams. There are specially designated areas for pets on trains. The location on ferries may vary. On buses you and your animal are required to get on through the front door in order to show your ticket before moving to the rear of the vehicle. (However, on bus lines 16-19, 25, 50, 52 and 58 in Gothenburg, you can board through any door.)
For the safety of everyone, you are not permitted to bring poisonous or dangerous animals on board.
Special conditions apply for those travelling with a guide dog or assistance dog (see Guide dogs and assistance dogs below).
Bicycle
You may not take bicycles on trams, buses, the Fjällbacka archipelago post boat or on demand-responsive transport. If there is enough room you are welcome to take your bicycle with you, including electric bikes, free of charge on Västtåg and most boats (except those listed on www.Västtrafik.se). Mini bikes, scooters and balance bikes may be brought on board if folded, free of charge. If there are fastening devices onboard, then you must use them. Electric scooters / scooters and other vehicles that are included in the category EPF (single-passenger vehicles), which are referred to by the Swedish Transport Agency as bicycles, are not permitted to be carried on buses and trams. Exceptions are if these are stored in a protective bag and can then be taken as hand luggage.
Please note that there may be a fee for taking a bike with you when travelling on lines going to and from other counties or on some of the boats when they are not run under the control of Västtrafik.
Passenger’s responsibility for luggage, animals, etc.
You are responsible for the prams, pushchairs, pets, luggage, etc. that you bring on board. If you cause injury to another person or damage to another person’s property, you are responsible for this. If Västtrafik becomes liable to pay damages to another (third party) because of your negligence, you in turn become liable to pay damages to Västtrafik.
Eating and drinking on board
You are permitted to eat and drink on board Västtrafik trains, provided you follow the rules of conduct. On other vehicles only simple snacks are permitted. You are not permitted to eat or drink anything that could cause other passengers discomfort, damage other passengers’ property or damage the interior of the vehicle.
Lost property
If you find something somebody has left on board, you have an obligation to hand it to the driver or other transport staff.
Västtrafik strives to fulfil relevant national and international laws and regulations governing the rights of passengers with a disability. These include the rules contained in the Swedish Discrimination Act, the Swedish Act on Disabled Access to Public Transport, the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the Swedish Act on the Rights of Public Transport Passengers and the European Passenger Regulations.
Wheelchairs, rollators and other assistive technology
You may bring technical aids on board our vehicles, such as a walker, wheelchair or electric wheelchair depending on space. The technical aid may not exceed 70 cm wide, 120 cm long and together with the passenger must weigh a maximum of 300 kg. This applies with the exception of trams and boats at low or high tide with plus / minus 60 cm at bridges that are not floating bridges. The maximum limit is then 250 kg. The wheelchair must be braked while driving.
If you travel with a walker or wheelchair you will be assisted with the lift / ramp on the vehicles if you need it, with the exception of the tram. In this case, you must alert the driver when getting on or off. You are required to boarding and getting off the vehicle on your own, or with the help of a travel companion. If necessary, you can get help from traffic personnel to fasten the wheelchair.
In exceptional cases, however, there may be special circumstances when the driver or on-board staff assess that this is not possible, e.g. if it would affect the safety on board the vehicle or the safety of you as a passenger. If you are traveling by boat at low or high tide with plus / minus 60 cm, we cannot guarantee that you can get on board from jetties that are not floating jetties.
On accessibility-adapted vehicles with an approved designated space for a wheelchair, boarding must take place through the doors with an orange marking. There are also universal design signs at the boarding door and on-board. When a fastening device is available, this must be used throughout the entire journey. In buses and trams with a wheelchair space without a fastening device, the wheelchair must be facing backwards against the support or seat back in the direction of travel. If the wheelchair space on a tram is occupied, it is permissible to use the flexible area. For safety reasons, wheelchairs as well as prams/baby carriages that use the flexible area may not be allowed to block the aisle or doors. On buses that do not have a special wheelchair space, you may not travel in your wheelchair and instead must use an ordinary seat, and the empty wheelchair must be stored in the space indicated and be locked with a brake.
Companion service – at stations and terminals
If you have a disability or special needs, you are entitled to assistance in connection with your trip at stations and terminals that provide this service. For more information about assistance services, visit Västtrafik’s website.
Guide dogs and assistance dogs
If you are dependent on an assistance dog or guide dog, you can board the bus together via any door and sit anywhere in the vehicle. Some buses have a recommended place behind the driver for passengers with a guide dog.
Travel assistance card
The travel assistance card is a ticket that makes it possible for those who have difficulty in using public transport by themselves to take a friend or escort with them to help. The holder of the travel assistance card must have a valid ticket for his or her journey and lends the travel assistance card to the person who is travelling to give assistance. The travel assistance card can only be used in combination with another valid ticket. The card is personal and the name of the customer (the person entitled to the service) is printed on the ticket. The card is only valid together with a valid ID document.
In the case of a ticket inspection, the customer must be able to show a valid ticket, travel assistance card and ID with the same name as on the travel assistance card. When travelling on a vehicle without a card reader, the customer shall have a validity receipt for the travel assistance card. The card is valid a maximum of two years at a time.
Transportation service
Some special conditions apply to mobility services.
Terms and conditions for transportation service (Färdtjänst)
Demand-responsive services must be booked at least an hour before the service is timetabled to depart.
Special terms and conditions apply to journeys outside the regular range of services. In addition to the regular terms and conditions of purchase and travel, you agree to be contacted for a survey of tickets, travel habits, travel experience and purchasing behavior. Participation in the survey is voluntary and the answers will only be used by Västtrafik in improvement work. Västtrafik collects contact information from internal systems and sources. Contact is made via email and/or text message.
The right to delay compensation applies to all journeys using Västtrafik’s tickets, with some exceptions.
If your journey is delayed, you are entitled to a price reduction:
- 50 per cent of the fare for the journey if the delay is longer than 20 minutes,
- 75 per cent of the fare for the journey if the delay is longer than 40 minutes
- The full fare for the journey if the delay is 60 minutes or longer.
The right to compensation for delay assumes a sufficient margin to change vehicles during the journey, the connection time will normally be five minutes but can be both shorter and longer. When you search for a journey with normal connection times in our travel planner on our website or in our app, you will only be offered journeys with an approved connection time. To be eligible for delay compensation you must also not have received compensation for alternative transport when a delay is anticipated. Our delay compensation does not compensate for consequential costs such as e.g. new train tickets, missed doctor visits or lost earnings.
Compensation for alternative transport where a delay is anticipated
If there are reasonable grounds to assume that your journey will be more than 20 minutes late, you are entitled to compensation for the reasonable costs of alternative transport, such as a taxi or private vehicle to your final destination. Maximum compensation is SEK 1,500 per passenger.
If you travel using a private vehicle, you will receive compensation according to the Swedish Tax Agency norms for tax-free mileage allowance plus compensation for any congestion charges or parking fees. The maximum sum is SEK 1,500 irrespective of how many people travel in the car.
For right to compensation with alternative transport (such as taxi) you need to present original receipt and the maximum compensation is SEK 1,500 per passenger. If original receipt is missing the expense must be verified in another way. Contact Västtrafik's Customer Service for further help.
Sharing a taxi or other form of transport with other passengers can allow you to receive compensation for a greater distance since the maximum amount is per person, for example two people could travel by taxi for a fare of SEK 3,000. In the case that one person has payed the entire expense and only one receipt is available, the names and addresses of all the passengers must be provided on the application form. The application form also indicates what other information you need to submit with your application as evidence of your expenses.
If you apply for compensation for travel by taxi or your own car, you are not entitled to any more compensation for the delay.
Long-term service disruption
A journey is not classed as delayed if Västtrafik announces a timetable change at least 72 hours before the original departure time. You are not entitled to delay compensation in this case.
Application for delay compensation and expenses claims
If you want to receive compensation for a delay, you will need to file a claim regarding the journey and apply for compensation for the delay. You can do this digitally using a form on our website or via other digital channels. It is possible to apply in writing for compensation for a delay via an application form that is available on our website, in our ticket offices or ordered from Västtrafik’s Kundservice, or alternatively to verbally apply by calling Västtrafik’s Customer Service Line on 0771-41 43 00.
You can apply for Delay compensation only if you within reasonable time after the journey ended, or, if the trip never was carried out would have ended, left Västtrafik a message wishing to make a delay claim. A message submitted within two months after the journey ended, or would have ended, will always be considered submitted within reasonable time.
Payment of delay compensation
The compensation is paid individually to each person, in the form of a promotional code, voucher or cash. If you choose to be paid with a promotional code or voucher, you will receive at least SEK 50 in compensation, even if the actual amount should have been lower.
Resplus tickets
With a Resplus ticket, you are assured of reaching the final destination for your journey. When you purchase a Resplus ticket, which combines several different public transport carriers, the carriers jointly guarantee that you as a passenger will arrive at the final destination of your journey, irrespective of which carrier was the cause of a traffic delay. This is referred to as the Resplus Arrival Guarantee. For assistance, contact the transport company at the stage of the route where you become aware that a traffic delay has arisen.
An application for compensation for a delayed Resplus journey is made via a form available at www.samtrafiken.se
Öresundståg tickets
Information about delay compensation for journeys using Öresundståg tickets can be found at www.oresundstag.se.
When does the right to delay compensation not apply?
You are not entitled to delay compensation if you are travelling by transportation service, national transportation service, school transport, pre-booked hospital trip or booked transport (chartered service). You are also not entitled to delay compensation if you are travelling on vintage trams or sightseeing buses, where the primary aim is not transport and separate tickets are required.
Replacement services
In the event of major service disruption, replacement services are usually provided. If you anticipate that you will be delayed by at least 20 minutes, you can choose transport other than the replacement service and receive delay compensation of a maximum of SEK 1,500.
Request for review
If you are not satisfied with a decision made on delay compensation, you can request a review of the decision. A review request must be made in writing and state the reasons why the decision should be reviewed. Your review request must be submitted to Västtrafik no later than three weeks after Västtrafik informed you of its decision on compensation with regard to your application for delay compensation.
Your ticket must be activated at the start of the journey and valid for all the zones through which you are travelling. If your ticket is valid at boarding, it is valid for the entire route even if the validity period expires during the course of the service.
When travelling with a vehicle without a card reader (for example, some trains with SJ and Öresundståg), you must carry a validity certificate showing that the ticket is valid.
If your ticket is on a mobile device, you must make sure that your mobile device is charged and that you have an internet connection throughout your journey. This is a prerequisite for you to be able to show that you have a valid ticket.
Tickets that require activation or reading must be presented to the ticket reader immediately upon boarding and you must ensure that the ticket has been accepted. If the reader does not work or if a ticket is not accepted by the reader, traffic staff should be contacted immediately. Tickets purchased on board by staff or at a vending machine must be purchased immediately upon boarding the vehicle. Mobile tickets must be purchased and activated before boarding.
Ticket inspection and visa
Ticket checks are made both on board and at stops in connection with boarding or disembarking. Then you must show your ticket regardless of the type of ticket you traveled with. Without a valid ticket, you may be required to pay a surcharge of SEK 1,500.
Boarding of buses takes place in the front door and the ticket should always be shown in the reader of the driver. If you have a stroller, wheelchair or walker, use the middle doors on the bus (marked with an orange frame), and if you travel with a Västtrafik card, show it to the nearest reader. If you have a ticket other than on a Västtrafik card, for example a mobile ticket in the Västtrafik To Go app, it is voluntary to approach the driver and show the ticket in the reader.
In Gothenburg, on trams and on bus lines 16–19, 21 and 25, you can board via all doors and do not need to show a ticket to the driver, but you do need to show it at a ticket check.
If you travel with a ticket other than an adult or if you travel with a personal ticket, you must be able to present the documents required to prove your right to travel with the ticket.
If you travel with a vehicle without a card reader, you must have a printed validity certificate. If you have a mobile ticket, you must be able to show your mobile device.
Please note that it is not allowed to copy a ticket to another mobile device without Västtrafik's permission.
Surcharge
If you do not have a valid ticket at a ticket inspection, you may be required to pay a statutory surcharge in accordance with the Act on surcharges in public passenger transport (1977:67). The amount for a surcharge issued by Västtrafik is SEK 1,500. Upon receipt of the surcharge, you may continue your trip on the vehicle to its final destination, but you can not change vehicles.
Västtrafik has the right to seize a ticket when there is suspicion that it has been falsified, tampered with or if there is any other reason to question the validity of the ticket. Västtrafik then has the right to temporarily or permanently block a Västtrafik card without reimbursing the owner for the remaining value. Västtrafik also has the right to block a mobile ticket or access to Västtrafik's app.
A surcharge may be received upon being issued, sent home through mail or digitally by e-mail if you are registered with Västtrafik.
You have the right to appeal a surcharge on Västtrafik's website within ten days of the inspection.
The surcharge must be paid within 21 days of the inspection. Possibility of installment plan available. In case of non-payment, the case may be handed over to a debt collection company and collection costs will be added. In the event of a payment reminder, a reminder fee of SEK 60 will be charged. Interest will be added 21 days from the date of execution in accordance with sections 3 and 6 of the Interest Act (1975:635).
Reduced surcharge
You must always have your ticket with you on every trip. If you did not have your ticket available at the time of the inspection but have registered it in My Account, you can get a reduced surcharge by submitting a copy of the ticket within ten days and appealing the surcharge on Västtrafik's website. When presenting the ticket, you also need to supplement with valid photo identification and any certificate, such as a certificate card. The fee is then reduced from SEK 1,500 to SEK 150. Tickets that are valid for display are registered tickets in the Västtrafik To Go app and registered season tickets 30, 90, and 365 days on Västtrafikkort.
Please note that this only applies if you are registered on My Account and have a ticket that is also registered on My Account. The ticket must be activated and registered before the time of verification in order for the surcharge reduction to be possible.
If you travel with a student discount and have forgotten to bring your student ID with you on the trip, you can get a reduced surcharge even if your ticket is not registered in My Account. The same principle applies if you are entitled to a discount with Västtrafik's Certificate Card.
Senior tickets are automatically registered in Västtrafik's customer register and seniors are thus covered by the possibility of a reduced surcharge even if they do not have My Account.
School tickets are not possible to register in My Account, but if you have received a surcharge and show your valid school ticket within ten days, the surcharge may be reduced. The amount will then instead be SEK 50 for those who are 15-17 years old and SEK 150 if you are over 18 years old.
Changes to timetables, prices and routes, etc.
Changes to zones, timetables, prices, routes and the like take place continuously. Current information can be found on Västtrafik's website and in Västtrafik's customer centre. For example, in connection with track work, roadworks and major events, temporary changes can be made.
Terms and conditions of purchase
More information about tickets, points of sale, etc., can be obtained from Västtrafik’s website or Customer Service.
Where to buy your ticket
- In the Västtrafik To Go app
- At Västtrafik’s points of sale
- From ticket dispensers at some stops
- From the driver or on board staff on some vehicles
- In card readers on board most vehicles in zone A
How to pay for your ticket
In the Västtrafik To Go app, you can pay by bank card, Swish, Västtrafik points or promotional codes.
In Västtrafik's customer centre you can pay by bank card, Swish, cash or vouchers.
More information about the payment options that are available on board our vehicles and through Västtrafik’s sales channels can be found on Västtrafik’s website.
Västtrafik points
You can pay using Västtrafik points in the Västtrafik To Go app.
How promotional codes work
Promotional codes are distributed via a campaign or as compensation for delay.
Promotional codes only have a value when they are redeemed for Västtrafik points. Promotional codes can only be redeemed for Västtrafik points and cannot be exchanged for cash.
Validity period of promotional codes
Promotional codes are valid for twelve (12) months from the date of issue unless otherwise stated on the promotional code itself. Shorter validity periods may apply to promotional codes issued during e.g. campaigns.
How Västtrafik points work
Västtrafik points are not transferable. You receive Västtrafik points when you redeem promotional codes in the Västtrafik To Go app.
You can also earn Västtrafik points by buying single tickets in the Västtrafik To Go app. To earn Västtrafik points, you must be logged in to My Account in the Västtrafik To Go app.
You can see your current Västtrafik points balance on My Account in the Västtrafik To Go app.
One (1) Västtrafik point has a value equivalent to one krona (SEK 1).
Terms and conditions for earning Västtrafik points
You earn Västtrafik points according to the special terms and conditions and levels that apply at the time you purchase your ticket. The special terms and conditions and current levels for earning Västtrafik points can be found at Västtrafik’s website.
How to use Västtrafik points
You can only use Västtrafik points to pay for tickets in the Västtrafik To Go app if you are registered and logged in to My Account in the app.
If you have Västtrafik points in your balance in the Västtrafik To Go app, the Västtrafik points will always be used first when you buy a ticket. If there are not enough points in your balance in the Västtrafik To Go app to pay for your ticket, you must pay the remaining amount for the ticket using a different payment method.
Västtrafik points cannot be exchanged for cash.
Validity period of Västtrafik points
Your Västtrafik points balance may cease to be valid and disappear automatically if you have not used or earned any Västtrafik points for a period of twenty-four (24) months. Every time you add or use Västtrafik points, the validity period is extended by a further twenty-four (24) months from the time of the transaction with points.
Vouchers and gift cards
You can use Västtrafik vouchers and gift cards to pay at Västtrafik’s points of sale but not on board vehicles. No change is given in cash.
You can use Västtrafik gift cards to buy tickets at Västtrafik ticket offices and sales points. Gift cards and vouchers are valid for one year from purchase. A shorter validity period may apply to vouchers issued under certain circumstances, for instance with a promotional campaign.
Receipt and delivery
Tickets are delivered in several ways. Tickets delivered to a Västtrafikkort or a mobile device are linked to the card or device to which they are delivered.
You will always be offered a receipt when you make a purchase at one of Västtrafik’s points of sale.
If you are registered on My Account, you can view your purchases there.
More information about the delivery of tickets and receipts is available on Västtrafik’s website.
Ticket validity
The ticket is valid for travel in accordance with the terms and conditions that apply when it is activated.
The validity period and the zones in which the ticket is valid vary depending on the type of ticket.
If you intend to travel on a deparure that is scheduled to depart within the validity period of your ticket, you may do so even if the vehicle is delayed.
Liability for ticket, loss and barring of tickets
You, yourself are liable for your ticket and for being able to show a valid ticket for the duration of your journey.
Västtrafik can pay compensation for the loss of a ticket only if the loss is due to a circumstance for which Västtrafik is responsible, including careless handling.
Västtrafik does not accept liability for the loss of a ticket due to technical problems encountered by another party with whom Västtrafik does not have an agreement, such as your internet service provider, or for technical issues with your mobile device or the like.
Västtrafik will not replace invalid tickets. You as a traveller are responsible for your ticket being valid the entire journey.
If you are registered on My Account, there is a loss guarantee for a Västtrafik card with a period ticket, as well as pay-as-you-go. The same applies to registered period tickets in the Västtrafik To Go app.
A mobile ticket is linked to the mobile device used to purchase it. If the mobile ticket is registered and linked to your account on My Account, you can transfer the ticket to a different mobile device. You may need to do this if you lose your mobile device, for example. You can make this kind of transfer no more than twice in any 30-day period. To buy a period ticket 365 days in the app Västtrafik To Go, your phone’s operating system must live up to current requirements and you must be logged in when making the purchase. For current requirements, see Västtrafik's website.
Västtrafik has the right to confiscate a ticket where it is suspected that the ticket is counterfeit, has been tampered with or its validity is otherwise questionable. In this case, Västtrafik has the right to block a Västtrafikkort on a temporary or permanent basis without compensating the owner for any remaining value. Västtrafik also has the right to block a mobile ticket or access to the Västtrafik To Go app.
Västtrafik also has the right to apply a block if this is necessary for technical, security or other reasons in order to protect the interests of customers, third parties or itself.
If the manipulation, misuse or other unauthorised or illegal use of promotional codes or Västtrafik points is suspected, Västtrafik can fully or partially block or delete promotional codes and Västtrafik points without prior warning. Västtrafik also has the right to block or delete promotional codes and Västtrafik points if this is necessary for technical, security or other reasons in order to protect the interests of customers, third parties or itself.
It is not permissible to lend a period ticket to someone else for financial compensation.
Exchanges and refunds
Pursuant to the Swedish Distance and Off-Premises Contracts Act (2005:59), you have no general right of rescission when you purchase tickets.
Tickets can only be refunded or exchanged if this is stated in the terms and conditions that apply for the specific ticket type or if the passenger is entitled to a refund under the Swedish Act on the Rights of Public Transport Passengers.
Claims
If your ticket is incorrect or is delivered late, you can make a claim for this from Västtrafik Customer Service. If there is an error on a ticket you have purchased, you must make a claim within 60 days.
If you suspect an error after travelling using pay-as-you-go, you can report the error on Västtrafik’s website under Customer Service/Claim. You can make such a claim no sooner than 48 hours after your journey and no later than 60 days after your journey.
You can get help with exchanging a damaged Västtrafik card through Mitt Konto, customer service or a Västtrafik store.
If you have any problems redeeming promotional codes or earning or using Västtrafik points, please contact our Customer Service on: +46 (0)771‐41 43 00.
Lifespan of your Västtrafikkort
The Västtrafikkort has a limited lifespan. Cards bought from November 2012 onwards can be used for up to eleven years. You can find information about the lifespan of your card on the receipt given to you when you buy a ticket that is added to the card.
Cards that are approaching their expiry date can be exchanged in a Västtrafik store or through My Account. Any tickets or balance on the card will be transferred to the new card.
Replacement of the ticketing system
If Västtrafik replaces its ticketing system, it may be necessary to replace tickets. If so, this will take place over a transitional period of 24 months.
Expired tickets
Some expired tickets can be redeemed. Please contact Customer Service for more information.
Corporate customers
For passengers travelling using company cards, both the general terms and conditions of travel and the special terms and conditions of purchase for corporate customers apply. For more information, visit Västtrafik’s website
Purchase and payment of single tickets
You can buy single tickets in all our sales channels. You can buy them as a paper ticket or loaded to a Västtrafik card. You can also buy a ticket in the Västtrafik To Go app. It is possible to buy single tickets for adults with a debit card at a card reader in zone A. Information on how to pay in the different channels can be found at Västtrafik’s website.
Activating a single ticket
See the ticket for current activation terms and conditions. Single tickets bought using the Västtrafik To Go app are activated at the time of purchase.
Single tickets on a Västtrafik card become valid when they are presented to a card reader and they must be activated within 365 days of purchase.
Validity of single tickets
Your ticket is valid for 90 minutes if you are travelling in one zone and for 180 minutes if you are travelling across several zones, starting from the time of purchase.
The zone or zones for which your ticket is valid are stated on the ticket.
Abuse and blocking of single tickets on Västtrafik-cards
Västtrafik has the right to block single tickets loaded on a Västtrafik-card, where it suspects that the Cancel feature has been abused. Once Västtrafik has blocked your single ticket, you are not entitled to a refund of your single ticket.
Purchase and payment of period tickets
You can buy period tickets in Västtrafik stores, at Västtrafik’s agents and as mobile tickets in the Västtrafik To Go app. In some areas, period tickets are also sold on board. Period tickets that are not purchased using the Västtrafik To Go app must be loaded onto a Västtrafik card.
Activating a period ticket
Flexible start date
A flexible start date means that the ticket is not activated until the first time it is read by a card reader. Flexible period tickets must be activated within 30 days of the date of purchase and are valid from the time they are activated until 23:59 pm on the final day of validity. A period ticket that has not been activated within 30 days from the date of purchase is regarded to be fully used.
Fixed start date
With a fixed start date, you decide at the time of purchase what date the period will begin, but this must be within 30 days from the date of purchase. This applies both to period tickets on a Västtrafik card and in the Västtrafik To Go app. Fixed period tickets are valid from 00:00 on the first day of validity to 23:59 pm on the final day of validity. Period tickets on a Västtrafik card that are valid for 90 and 365 days are only available with a fixed start date.
It is important to be aware that the terms and conditions at the time of activation for each period ticket are the ones applicable. For example, if you buy youth tickets just before your 20th birthday but do not activate them until after your 20th birthday, they are not valid for you. You will then have to exchange the ticket at a Västtrafik store.
Exchanges and refunds of period tickets
You can exchange a period ticket for any other ticket product within 30 days of purchase if it has not yet been activated. If you have already activated the period ticket, you can exchange it for another ticket product within 24 hours of activation. A period ticket can be refunded if Västtrafik changes the transport services available. In this case, the services available must have changed more than you could reasonably have been expected at the time of purchase. The change must also have a major impact on you. In such cases, the value remaining at the time of the refund will be repaid.
A refund for a period ticket for 90 or 365 days, which is not linked to a change in the transport services available, can be made on the basis of a special settlement. The commenced 30-day period is considered completed, and you may, based on the settlement, receive compensation for the remaining value of the period ticket in the form of an electronic code or voucher. When requesting a refund, you must provide written consent for Västtrafik to complete the refund and pay out the remaining value.
Period ticket validity
You can see the validity period of your period ticket and the zone or zones for which it is valid on the receipt, at a card reader or on a validity receipt. For more information about our various period tickets and the areas in which they are valid, visitVästtrafik’s website.
Offer for fellow traveller in Västtrafik To Go
Customers who are 20 years or older and have a period ticket for an adult in Västtrafik To Go have the possibility to bring up to three fellow travellers between the ages of 7 and 19 with them on their period ticket without paying an additional charge. To take advantage of the offer, the passenger must activate the function on the ticket in Västtrafik To Go prior to travelling with the fellow travellers. The offer is valid for 24 hours, 72 hours, 30 days, 90 days or 365 days for adults. The offer does not apply for period tickets issued on a Västtrafik travel card nor to paper tickets. The offer only applies to Västtrafik’s vehicles, Vy Göteborg - Ed and Öresundtåg within Västtrafik's area.
Purchase and payment of pay as you go
Pay as you go means that you can purchase and top-up a travel card with money in Västtrafik's customer centre or at Västtrafik's agents. You can then use the card to pay for your travel on-board Västtrafik's vehicles.
Deposit for cards with pay as you go
The first time you buy a Västtrafik card with pay as you go, you pay a deposit of SEK 50. You can use this to pay for travel if the balance on your card is lower than the cost of your journey. If the card is cancelled because it has expired, this deposit is not refunded.
Deposit refund form (PDF in Swedish, opens in a new window)
Activating pay as you go
Pay as you go does not need to be activated. The card is ready to use as soon as it has been topped up.
When you present your Västtrafik card to a card reader, the fare is deducted from the balance on your card. You may need to press the buttons on the card reader and present your card again if you change lines and services when travelling through more than one zone. For more information about travelling using pay as you go, visit Västtrafik’s website.
Exchanging pay as you go
You an use your pay as you go balance as part payment or full payment for another ticket.
Redemption of a card with pay as you go
If you hand back a pay as you go card for redemption, the balance and deposit will be refunded to you in the form of a promotional code which can be used in the To Go app or a voucher which can be used when buying a ticket from a Västtrafik store or agent. If you want the money paid by cash, only the deposit will be refunded. If the balance on the card is negative, the refund will be reduced. See the special application form for redemption on Västtrafik’s website.
Validity of pay as you go
You can travel using pay as you go across one or more zones. If you are travelling within one zone, you can change lines within 90 minutes of your first check-in. If you are travelling between several zones, the change time is 90 minutes from when you checked out in the new zone. If you travel to a further zone, the 90-minute validity period applies there in the same way, but only if it has been less than 180 minutes since your first check-in.
If pay as you go is withdrawn from the ticket range, for example for technical reasons or if the ticketing system changes, you will need to exchange your pay as you go balance for a replacement ticket of your choice. Such exchange must be made during a transitional period of 12 months from the date when Västtrafik announces on its website that pay as you go is to be withdrawn from the ticket range. You cannot choose to have the balance paid to you in cash.
Abuse and blocking of pay as you go
Västtrafik has the right to block your pay as you go account and any funds in it, where it suspects that the Cancel feature has been abused. Once Västtrafik has blocked your pay as you go account, you are not entitled to a refund of your pay as you go credit or your deposit.
1-day and 3-day tickets are period tickets you can use for unlimited travel within the area stated on the ticket for 24 hours with a 1-day ticket and for 72 hours with a 3-day ticket.
1-day and 3-day tickets on a Västtrafik card become valid when they are used for the first time, or at the specified time determined at the time of purchase, but no later than 30 days after purchase, otherwise they expire. Unactivated 1-day and 3-day tickets can be exchanged within 30 days of purchase. No refunds nor exchanges may be made once a 1-day and 3-day ticket has been activated.
1-day and 3-day tickets bought using the Västtrafik To Go app are activated at the time of purchase.
1-day and 3-day tickets in the form of paper tickets that take effect immediately upon purchase cannot be refunded nor exchanged.
School tickets are provided by the school/municipality and are personal to the student. The validity varies depending on the type of ticket you have been given.
The accompanying passenger offer does not apply to school travel cards, nor can they be used as part payment for travel with SJ and Tågab.
If you lose your school travel card, you should contact your school office, which will block your card and order a replacement.
If you are going to primary or lower secondary school and you leave your School travel card at home, you can still travel to school. At school, you should ask the school office for a “ticket for the trip home”.
If you go to upper secondary school and you leave your School travel card at home, you must pay for your journeys to and from school yourself.
If your School travel card is not working, you should ask the transport staff for help. If there is a problem with the card you will be given a temporary ticket. Contact the school/municipality for help with blocking or replacing the card.
Zone ABC Leisure 30 Days and Leisure 90 Days are period tickets for young people between the ages of 7 and 19. They are valid for unlimited travel with Västtrafik and Närtrafik on weekdays between 2 pm and 4 am plus 24 hours a day at weekends and during school holidays.
At the time of purchase, an activation date is set within 30 days. The ticket must be activated before the holder reaches age 20 and may then be used throughout its entire period of validity.
Västtrafik’s certificate card is available to anyone with a “benefit claimant certificate” from the Swedish Social Insurance Agency. The card allows you to travel using Västtrafik’s youth period tickets and flex ticket, no matter the age. This offer does not include other tickets, such as pay-as-you-go or single tickets.
The certificate card is usually valid for three years but this may vary depending on your certificate from the Swedish Social Insurance Agency. The card acts only as a certificate and cannot be loaded with a ticket.
Your certificate card is personal to you and the expiry date and your name are printed on the back. At a ticket inspection, you must be able to show a valid ticket, your certificate card and valid personal identification corresponding to the name on the card.
Many municipalities offer their senior citizens registered in the population register free public transport travel with Västtrafik’s senior ticket. The conditions vary depending on the municipality. The senior ticket is always sent to your national registration address. It is your responsibility to order forwarding of your mail if necessary.
The senior ticket is personal and you must be able to present a valid ID at a ticket inspection. You can add other Västtrafik products to the Senior citizen card (such as pay-as-you-go), and if the added ticket is not a personal ticket, you can let someone else use it for travel.
Since the senior ticket is personal, it must be registered to the holder in Västtrafik's customer register. This is done automatically when the ticket is sent to you. If you unregister the ticket or register it on someone else, the ticket will be blocked.
Separate fares apply on some archipelago ferry services.
The try us out Trial Travel Pass is a period ticket that is valid for unlimited travel within a specified area and for a specified period. Each Trial Travel Pass is personal to the holder and must not be resold.
Trial Travel passes are not available for purchase and are provided by Västtrafik for marketing purposes.
Special terms and conditions apply for tickets outside of the regular range. In addition to the regular terms and conditions of purchase and travel, you agree to be contacted for a survey regarding tickets, travel habits and buying behavior. Participation in the survey is voluntary and the answers will only be used by Västtrafik for improvement work. Västtrafik retrieves contact information from internal systems and sources. Contact is made via email and/or SMS.
Liability
Personal injury and material damage
Liability for personal injury and material damage occurring on Västtrafik’s public transport services is governed by the Swedish Rail Traffic Act, the Swedish Maritime Act and the Swedish Motor Traffic Damage Act. Aside from delay compensation and the relevant legislation on personal injury and material damage, Västtrafik’s liability for damages is limited partly to its statutory liability and partly to those damages caused by gross negligence on the part of Västtrafik. Västtrafik provides no other compensation.
Limitation
If you want to make a claim for compensation for other transport, or a claim for a price reduction, or if you want a refund on a period ticket in accordance with the Swedish Public Transport Passengers' Rights Act (2015:953), you must submit the claim within three years of your claim arising. After three years the claim expires.
Disputes
Disputes arising from these conditions shall be resolved in accordance with the laws of Sweden and at a Swedish general court. In the event of a dispute with a private individual, it is Västtrafik’s policy to follow the recommendations of the Swedish National Board for Consumer Disputes (ARN).