Does anyone know if you can buy a ticket with the application (ipod and or android) while connected to wifi, and access it later once you have no connection, say on the train? Thanks.

You can buy MMS Tickets, after having registered your mobile device.

Details in this page:

http://www.sbb.ch/en/travelcards-and...ms-ticket.html

I've used the SBB app for both Windows Phone 7 and iPhone, both are excellent and do exactly as you ask. I guess they'd have one for Android also.

you will need connection to retrieve the ticket and i not tired to leave the ticket open on the screen while travel.. not sure whether that will work or not.

Once the ticket is downloaded, it's stored by the app, there's a "tickets" icon at the bottom of the app that takes you to your last purchased tickets.

Running out of batteries is another problem.

Also have bought and downloaded tickets on my Android mobile several times in the last couple of months while connected via my home wifi connection (never have network packet data switched on).

They are definitely stored on the phone and available when not connected to the internet.

2nd the sentiment about battery and running out. Have (so far!) always made sure my phone is fully charged the day before I travel, but from what I have seen, most SBB trains appear to have power sockets available so if you keep a phone charger with you, even that shouldn't be an issue.