DB AG and VVO retrofit 108 ticket machines in the network

In the Upper Elbe Transport Association (VVO), all Deutsche Bahn ticket machines are currently being equipped with contactless payment options. The machines will be converted in stages until the beginning of October. The VVO is investing around 125,000 euros in the conversion.

"Expanding the payment options will make buying tickets faster, easier and more convenient. We are thus following the trend towards contactless payment, which has accelerated significantly, especially during the coronavirus pandemic," emphasises Alexander Zschoche, project manager at VVO. "In the current tests, we had the ticket in our hand after 17 seconds." In addition to all standard credit and debit cards with contactless function, passengers can also pay via ApplePay or Google Pay, for example.

The first machines in Dresden, Heidenau, Tharandt and Meißen have already been equipped, with a further 20 to 25 machines to follow every month until the beginning of October. In addition to the contactless payment options, the machines will continue to accept cash as well as credit and debit cards as usual.

DB Vertrieb GmbH is the network-wide sales service provider for rail transport and operates all stationary machines at railway stations independently of the railway companies operating in the VVO. In addition to the state capital Dresden, the area covered by the transport association includes the districts of Meißen, Sächsische Schweiz-Osterzgebirge and the western part of the district of Bautzen. The municipal special-purpose association is responsible for local rail passenger transport. In addition, it cooperates with the municipal transport companies and organises a standardised tariff. Over 200 million passengers travel on the VVO every year.