Pensioners told to use child fare cards as temporary travel solution

Danish pensioners and digitally challenged residents may be forced to use anonymous child fare cards as a temporary solution after the physical travel card system is phased out, reports DR. The advocacy group Ældre Sagen (Elderly Affairs) has called the proposal “undignified.”

From May 28, the blue-and-white physical Rejsekort—used for check-ins on trains, buses, and metro systems—will begin shutting down in parts of Denmark, with full deactivation by June 29. The transition to a mobile-based system has left many elderly and non-digital users struggling, as the promised alternatives remain unavailable.

The interim solution for those entitled to discounted fares is to purchase an anonymous Basiskort (Basic Card) at child fare rates until a permanent billing option is introduced in September. However, Ældre Sagen argues this forces non-digital users to switch systems twice in a short period, risking confusion and exclusion.

“These are people who are already digitally marginalised,” said Louise Kambjerre Scheel, senior consultant at Ældre Sagen. “Asking them to adapt to a temporary child fare card is not just impractical—it’s demeaning.”

Jens Willers, customer director at Rejsekort, acknowledged the frustration but defended the measure as a stopgap. “We’ve worked with organisations like Ældre Sagen to create solutions,” he said, noting that the upcoming billing option—currently in development—will allow users without payment cards or MobilePay to maintain discounted travel.

The physical Rejsekort will close in stages:
– May 28: Last check-in on buses, local trains, and light rail in Jutland and Funen.
– June 29: Final check-in on buses, metro, local trains, and light rail in Zealand, Lolland, Falster, and Møn.

While Rejsekort insists the child fare card is a temporary fix, critics argue the delay in rolling out permanent alternatives disproportionately affects vulnerable groups.