Bavaria to Simplify Public Transport Ticketing with ‘In/Out’ Swiping System by 2027
Munich, August 5 – Purchasing tickets for buses and trains can often be a frustrating experience, especially for those unfamiliar with the local tariff structures. However, relief is on the horizon for Bavaria’s public transport users, as the state plans to gradually introduce a simplified ticketing system across the region starting next year.
The Bavarian Ministry of Transport announced that the so-called ‘in/out’ ticketing system will be implemented in phases from 2027. “Customers will check in before starting their journey, receive a travel authorization, and then check out at their destination. This eliminates the need for passengers to have detailed knowledge of tariffs, as the fare will be calculated retrospectively,” stated the Ministry in response to an inquiry from the Green Party in the state parliament.
How the ‘In/Out’ System Works
The ‘in/out’ system is a technical solution that allows passengers to indicate via their smartphone when they board a bus or train and when their journey ends. Subsequently, the system calculates the appropriate fare. According to the Ministry, this system will enable seamless travel across Bavaria, even beyond the boundaries of individual transport associations. This technology, often referred to as ‘swiping’ due to the action of swiping across a display at the start and end of a journey, is already in use in some transport networks, such as in Munich.
The primary goal is to make public transport more accessible and user-friendly, particularly for occasional travelers and tourists who may find the current tariff landscape confusing. By automating the fare calculation, the system aims to remove a significant barrier to using public transport.
Deutschlandticket as a Central Task of State Tariff
Despite the introduction of the ‘in/out’ system, the state government has confirmed that it is no longer pursuing the implementation of a uniform statewide ticket and tariff system. “Following the announcement of the Deutschlandticket’s introduction, the state tariff strategy was adjusted, and the Deutschlandticket’s implementation was defined as a central task of the state tariff,” the Ministry elaborated.
This means that while the ‘in/out’ system will simplify the process of calculating fares for individual journeys, the broader goal of a single, unified Bavarian ticket has been superseded by the focus on the Deutschlandticket, a nationwide flat-rate ticket for public transport.
Greens Call for More Attractive Public Transport Offers
The Green Party in the state parliament expressed regret over the decision not to further develop the Bavaria Ticket. Markus Büchler, the party’s spokesperson for mobility, stated, “It’s a shame that the state government does not want to further develop the Bavaria Ticket. Relying solely on the Deutschlandticket is not enough. Attractive offers must finally be created, especially for people who only occasionally use buses and trains.”
Büchler emphasized the need for a simple and transparent system for ticket purchasing and tariff overview to attract more people to public transport. He also highlighted the importance of ensuring that all parts of the state belong to a fully functional transport association, noting existing gaps, particularly in Swabia and Lower Bavaria. “Without an association, modern public transport is not meaningfully possible,” he added.
The Green Party’s critique underscores a broader debate about the balance between simplifying individual journeys and creating comprehensive, attractive long-term ticketing solutions that cater to all types of passengers across the entire state.
The introduction of the ‘in/out’ system represents a significant step towards modernizing public transport in Bavaria. However, the ongoing discussion about comprehensive tariff structures and the role of the Deutschlandticket in the regional context will likely continue as the system rolls out.
