Bavaria to simplify public transport payments; system will automatically select the fare
Starting in 2027, Bavaria will gradually introduce a unified digital payment system for public transport. Passengers will no longer need to figure out fare zones in advance or choose a ticket themselves.
Before boarding a bus or train, the user registers the start of the journey on a smartphone by swiping on the screen. Upon arrival, they similarly end the journey. The system determines the route and automatically calculates the fare.
The new technology is meant to work not only within individual transport associations but also on inter-connecting journeys. This will allow a single payment method for routes across different regions of Bavaria. A similar system called Swiping is already operating in the Munich Transport Association.
At the same time, the Bavarian authorities do not plan to create a single regional fare. The nationwide Germany Ticket remains the central subscription, and the new system primarily simplifies single and occasional trips.
