Flexibility and Movement - Digital-only Bahncard drawbacks criticized by consumer groups
Starting this Sunday, the plastic version of Bahncard is a thing of the past. Germany's Railway Company is now solely providing the discount subscription in its digital form. As of June 9th, there will be no more chip cards issued for this purpose, according to the railway's announcement. However, validity of existing Bahncards will continue until their expiration dates. This rule applies only to the variants 25 and 50, where holders enjoy a 25% or 50% discount on tickets. The Bahncard 100 will still be issued in a physical form.
Critics express concern over this move towards digitalization. Michael Stiefel, director of the "Inclusion of People with Poverty Experience" project at Germany's Diakonie, voiced his disagreement: "German Railway is displaying how it shouldn't be done. They're implementing an enviornmentally-friendly idea without considering its social repercussions." He explained that digital offers often create hurdles for those experiencing poverty: "People without digital devices or overwhelmed by digital applications will be excluded from using them henceforth." This impacts those with meager incomes and elders. Not everyone can handle digital payment options as well.
The Consumer Center had also earlier shared its apprehensions. It's unfortunate, they state, that customers without digital access are denied the fare discounts.
The railway, unperturbed by the criticism, clarified that Bahncard holders will still be able to carry it as a paper printout from now on. These can be purchased and paid for at the railway's customer centers. Despite the backlash, the railway claims that digital sales of its long-distance tickets amount to an impressive 90%, up from 51% a decade ago.
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- Despite the criticism from the Consumer Center and Michael Stiefel's consumer association, German Railways maintains that Bahncard holders can still obtain a paper printout of their digital Bahncard at their customer centers.
- The German Railways' decision to exclusively offer the Bahncard in digital form starting this Sunday has been met with criticism from consumer groups and individuals like Michael Stiefel, who argues that this move could exclude people with meager incomes and elders who may struggle with digital payment options.
- In Berlin, many consumers are expressing concerns about this shift to digital Bahncards, as they may not have access to digital devices or find digital applications overwhelming, preventing them from enjoying the various mobility benefits offered by the Bahncard.
- As German Railways transitions to digital Bahncards, it should consider the needs and preferences of all its consumers, including those who may not have easy access to digital technologies, to ensure that everyone can benefit from the reduced ticket prices and improved mobility offered by the BahnCard.
