Denmark's physical Rejsekort travel card deactivated Monday

Monday signifies the end of an era for public transport in Denmark, as the physical Rejsekort, the national travel card, ceases to be valid after midnight. This marks the final step in a gradual phase-out of the traditional card system.

The process began with the discontinuation of the physical Rejsekort in Jutland and Funen on May 28th. Now, the entire country will transition away from the physical card, with approximately 190,000 individuals reportedly still using it nationwide in the past month.

Rejsekort & Rejseplan, the company behind the system, is focusing on aiding the remaining users in their switch to alternative methods. "We know that some always wait until the last minute or haven't had the opportunity yet," said Jens Willars, customer director at Rejsekort & Rejseplan. "Fortunately, the vast majority have already switched, and the rest can get help at one of the 98 sales points, kiosks, and DSB 7-Eleven outlets, or by calling the Rejsekort Customer Center."

Available alternatives include the Rejsekort app for smartphone users, which has been adopted by 3.3 million travelers, or a personal basic card, ordered by 185,000 individuals. Anonymous basic cards are also an option for those who prefer not to use smartphones or digital payment methods. However, the transition has not been without controversy. Earlier in June, Rejsekort & Rejseplan faced a police report from the Consumer Ombudsman for allegedly misleading customers in its marketing campaign about the card's closure. The ombudsman cited that the campaign highlighted the app as the sole future alternative, omitting the existence of the basic card, which was perceived as a deliberate omission to steer users away from the physical card.

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We know that some always wait until the last minute or haven't had the opportunity yet. Fortunately, the vast majority have already switched, and the rest can get help in one of the 98 sales points, kiosks, and DSB 7-Eleven outlets, or by calling the Rejsekort Customer Center.