The following article, originally published in Nahverkehrs Praxis, a German trade magazine for public transport professionals, outlines the current state of Ticketing in Germany, the challenges associated with digital systems, and the opportunities Account-Based Ticketing offers for transport operators and passengers.
Ticketing in German public transport has changed considerably over the past years. Paper tickets are still in use, but e-ticketing has already become standard in many regions. Now, a further development is being discussed: Account-Based Ticketing (ABT).
The Next Step in Ticket Sales: First Paper, then E-Ticketing, and now Account-Based Ticketing
Tickets are used millions of times every day in Germany, in various forms. While some transport associations still rely on paper tickets, digitalisation and the influence of the Deutschlandticket have made e-ticketing the standard in many parts of the country.
Going Digital: What an E-Ticket Is and the Benefits It Offers
E-ticketing, or electronic ticketing, is the digital equivalent of a traditional paper ticket. Typically issued as a barcode that can be scanned electronically, it offers a convenient and secure alternative to physical tickets. E-tickets provide significant benefits for both transportation organisations and passengers. Transport operators can save considerably by eliminating printing and logistics costs and reducing the need for complex ticket machines. For passengers, buying tickets through an app is not only more straightforward and more user-friendly, but also possible anywhere and anytime, offering much greater flexibility.
The Downside of Digitalisation: New Fraud Risks in E-Ticketing
E-tickets reduce costs, are more efficient, and easier to use, but they also create new opportunities for fraud. A digital barcode is very easy to copy – a screenshot or photo taken with a phone can then be shared with multiple people.
To counteract this, various security measures have been developed. At Ximedes, for example, we prevent screenshots from being taken in ticket apps and track the frequency of use for each barcode. If a code is used suspiciously often, it is automatically flagged as fraud and blocked.
Germany relies on MOTICS (Mobile Ticketing Crypto Service), which refreshes dynamic barcodes every second, making copying impossible. To strengthen fraud prevention nationwide, support for MOTICS will become mandatory for all inspection devices starting in January 2026.
With subscription-based tickets like the Deutschlandticket, another issue arises: payment fraud through unauthorised IBANs or later direct debit cancellations. Another risk which Ximedes addresses by verifying bank accounts and collecting payments earlier. Fraudsters are also recorded on blocklists and prevented from making further attempts.
The Next Step: Account-Based Ticketing
E-ticketing has already brought many improvements, but the next step goes even further: Account-Based Ticketing (ABT). Here, it’s no longer the ticket itself but a personal travel account that forms the basis for journeys. Each passenger uses a medium with a unique ID, linked to their personal account.
An example: travellers use their bank card as a ticket. The card serves as proof of identity and is linked to the passenger’s profile. When entering and exiting, this is recorded, the fare is automatically calculated, and the amount is debited from the card. For existing subscriptions like the Deutschlandticket, the system works the same way – just without the charge. Any card or barcode confirming identity is sufficient.
The Deutschlandticket has already laid the foundation for ABT. Transport associations now manage passenger accounts, verify subscriptions, and generate new monthly barcodes that can be checked nationwide.
The Dutch Example: OVpay
The Netherlands demonstrates how ABT works in practice with OVpay. The system marks the transition from card-based to account-based travel systems. While the traditional OV-chip card stores all data directly on the card, OVpay uses the card only as an identification medium. All fare calculations are based on the passenger account and processed centrally in the back office.
Because all passenger data, such as entry and exit points, is stored centrally, revenue distribution is clearly regulated. Each transport association receives the income for the trips it provides.
What’s Needed for Implementation in Germany?
Account-Based Ticketing (ABT) is currently being discussed intensively in Germany, but several challenges still stand in the way of nationwide implementation. One of the biggest hurdles is the fragmented structure of Germany’s public transport system, with numerous associations and different technical standards, making a centralised solution more difficult. Strict data protection requirements also apply, since ABT involves central storage and processing of user data.
To successfully implement an ABT system regionally or even nationwide, the following are required:
1. Binding standards for all transport associations
2. Uniform interfaces for technical compatibility
3. Data protection concepts that comply with GDPR requirements
4. Sufficient data collection to accurately determine revenue distribution
Successful implementation of ABT in Germany will therefore depend on the willingness of transport companies to standardise and cooperate, as well as the support of experienced technology partners. Unlike the Netherlands with its centralised system, Ximedes believes that a decentralised approach could be more suitable in Germany, linking transport associations through standardised interfaces.
Interested in exploring account-based ticketing or ready to take the next step in ticketing? Ximedes is here to help — get in touch with us today!
