Digitalization of the Bahncard: Opportunities and advantages for frequent travelers - A financial expert explains

Digitalization of the Bahncard: Opportunities and advantages for frequent travelers - A financial expert explains

According to a report by www.rbb24.de, Deutsche Bahn plans to stop issuing plastic rail cards in the future and instead only offer digital versions. The changeover has already begun and is expected to be completed by the second half of 2024. The decision is based on the short validity of the trial rail cards and the digital affinity of their target group. According to DB information, 5.1 million rail cards are issued every year and 60 percent of customers already use the digital version.

The switch to exclusively digital rail cards has both ecological and practical effects. By avoiding plastic cards, a significant amount of plastic can be saved. In addition, the digital form means there is no longer any risk of forgetting or losing the map once it has been uploaded to the DB Navigator smartphone app. So this change will not only be more environmentally friendly, but also more user-friendly.

For the market, this could mean that the production of plastic cards and the associated costs will be reduced. At the same time, the digitization of rail cards could promote the use of the DB app and offer customers the opportunity to access their tickets more flexibly and conveniently. Overall, it is expected that the switch to digital rail cards will lead to increased efficiency and cost savings in the long term.

The impact on consumers could be the need for a stable internet connection and a suitable mobile device to access the digital rail cards. Customers who are also used to physical cards may need to adapt to the new digital form. However, it remains to be noted that the digital variant offers numerous advantages and ultimately offers customers a simpler and more environmentally friendly solution.