Test phase initiates for cashless bus ticketing in Regensburg, involving twelve city buses
In a significant move towards modernising public transportation, Stadtwerk Mobilität will begin a test phase for digital ticket purchases on buses starting September 3, 2025. This initiative, which is part of the CiCoBW app in Baden-Württemberg, financed and technologically operated by the state's Ministry of Transport, aims to enable smartphone ticketing without the need for tariff knowledge.
During the test phase, 12 buses will be equipped with cashless ticket terminals. Passengers can select and pay for tickets on the bus using common credit and debit cards, or via Google or Apple Pay. There will be no paper tickets during this phase; tickets will be stored digitally.
To purchase tickets, passengers can hold their payment method to the controller's reading device. Alternatively, tickets can be purchased via the RVV app, which can be used to buy tickets for the entire RVV network area, including train tickets. Purchased tickets and completed trips can be viewed at rvv.de/bargelllos.
Stickers on the entrance doors of the test buses indicate that tickets can only be purchased cashless. Ticket purchases from drivers are not possible on the 12 test buses.
The test phase will be used to constantly test and evaluate the processes and functionality of the digital ticket devices and the new on-board computer system. By late autumn, the entire municipal bus fleet of Stadtwerk Mobilität is expected to be equipped with the new cashless ticket terminals.
For passengers who prefer not to pay digitally, the RVV will offer a prepaid card from autumn, which can be purchased at advance sales points and at the RVV customer center. RVV tickets can still be purchased with cash in regional buses, at known advance sales points, at ticket machines at central stops, and at the RVV customer center located on Hemauer Street.
This change is expected to bring several benefits. Bus drivers can focus more on passenger boarding and alighting due to cashless ticket purchases, potentially saving time. Moreover, cashless ticket purchases on buses are significantly cheaper compared to purchasing from drivers. For instance, an individual ticket of price stage 1 costs €2.88 digitally at the new ticket terminal on the bus or via the RVV app, compared to €3.60 when purchased from the driver.
Short distance fares (maximum of three stops from the starting point) will cost only €1.44 digitally, making it more affordable for commuters making shorter trips.
This initiative is a step towards a more efficient and cost-effective public transportation system in the RVV network area. Passengers are encouraged to try out the new digital ticket purchases and provide feedback to help improve the service.
