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.