Ride for Ink: Austria’s Unique Offer of Free Rail Travel in Exchange for a Tattoo

Introduction:

Austria is offering a unique opportunity to a select few: free rail travel for a year, but only if you’re willing to get a tattoo of the country’s new railcard logo.

The Klimaticket, or Climate Ticket, was launched in 2021 as part of Austria’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions. The pass costs €1,095 per year and gives holders unlimited access to trains, buses, and trams across the country.

The tattoo promotion was launched in August 2023 at two music festivals in Austria. Six people, three at each festival, took the government up on its offer and got a Klimaticket tattoo in exchange for a free annual pass.

The promotion has been met with mixed reactions. Some people have praised it as a creative way to encourage people to use public transportation and reduce their carbon footprint. Others have criticized it as being exploitative and unethical.

Why is Austria offering this promotion?

The Austrian government says that the tattoo promotion is a way to raise awareness of the Klimaticket and encourage more people to use public transportation. The government also hopes that the promotion will help to reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality.

What’s the catch?

The only catch is that you have to be willing to get a permanent tattoo of the Klimaticket logo. The tattoo must be at least 5 cm by 5 cm in size and must be visible on your arm or leg.

Who is eligible for the promotion?

The promotion is open to anyone who is over the age of 18 and lives in Austria. You must also be willing to sign a waiver releasing the Austrian government from any liability related to the tattoo.

How to apply for the promotion

If you’re interested in applying for the promotion, you can visit the Klimaticket website. The application process includes submitting a photo of yourself and a statement explaining why you want to get a Klimaticket tattoo.

If you get selected, what happens next?

If you’re selected to participate in the promotion, you’ll be invited to a tattoo parlor to get your Klimaticket tattoo. The tattoo will be free of charge, and you’ll also receive a free annual Klimaticket pass.

Things to consider before getting a Klimaticket tattoo

Before you decide to get a Klimaticket tattoo, there are a few things you should consider:

  • Getting a tattoo is a permanent decision. Make sure that you’re sure you want to get a Klimaticket tattoo before you commit to it.
  • The tattoo must be at least 5 cm by 5 cm in size and must be visible on your arm or leg. This means that the tattoo will be very noticeable.
  • You’ll be responsible for the cost of removing the tattoo if you ever decide that you don’t want it anymore. Laser tattoo removal can be expensive and time-consuming.

If you’re still interested in getting a Klimaticket tattoo, here are some tips:

  • Choose a design that you love. The tattoo will be with you for the rest of your life, so make sure that you choose a design that you’re happy with.
  • Do your research. Find a reputable tattoo artist who has experience in doing large tattoos.
  • Be prepared for the pain. Getting a tattoo can be painful, especially if the tattoo is large.
  • Take care of your tattoo. Follow your tattoo artist’s instructions for caring for your tattoo to ensure that it heals properly.

Conclusion:

The Klimaticket tattoo promotion is a unique opportunity to get a free annual pass to Austria’s public transportation system. However, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons carefully before deciding whether or not to get a Klimaticket tattoo.