A significant reduction in physical ticket sales points has occurred across Bavaria since 2020, according to data revealed in a parliamentary inquiry. Deutsche Bahn (DB), the German national railway company, has decommissioned approximately 250 stationary ticket machines throughout the state.
Figures presented indicate a decline from 1,305 DB-operated ticket machines in 2020 to 1,061 as of May 2024. Alongside this reduction, the number of DB travel centers has fallen from 63 to 46, while DB agency locations have decreased from 46 to 23.
Offsetting this trend, the number of video travel centers in Bavaria has risen from 28 in 2020 to 41.
The decommissioning of these physical sales points raises concerns about accessibility, particularly for less digitally proficient travelers. Nicole Gohlke, parliamentary vice-chair of the Left party, emphasized the importance of maintaining accessible services in a large, geographically dispersed state like Bavaria. She highlighted the reliance of many, including older individuals and occasional users, on in-person assistance for trip planning and ticket purchases.
Deutsche Bahn acknowledges the shift towards digital ticket procurement. According to a DB spokesperson, approximately 90% of long-distance train tickets are now purchased digitally, a considerable increase from 51% a decade ago. In regional transport, the digital adoption rate currently stands at 78%, compared to less than 10% ten years prior. The company maintains that ongoing adjustments are necessary to reflect evolving customer behavior.
