People lacking internet access or those with disabilities need to be catered for.
A group of organizations has voiced their disapproval over the removal of physical Bahncards and urges for equal access for individuals without internet or those with disabilities. They believe that "mobility is crucial for social involvement," emphasizing that public transportation must be "easily accessible to everyone." They addressed this concern in an open letter to the German Railways' executive board.
In early March, Deutsche Bahn disclosed its plan to eliminate physical Bahncard 25 and 50 by June, opting for digital versions only. While they justified this move due to the advancement in digitalization and environmental consciousness, the VCD, one of the signatories, denounced the decision, stating that a significant number of passengers will be negatively impacted. Therefore, the alliance calls for 'physical access' to railway cards and economy tickets, which is "equitable and charge-free," noting that assistance counters must be present even in smaller towns.
It's estimated that around 5% of individuals aged 16-74 do not have internet access. This percentage progressively increases with age, as per data from the Federal Statistical Office. Signatories to the letter include groups catering to those with disabilities, chronic conditions, and older folks, apart from trade unions.
The letter further noted that Deutsche Bahn has already stopped selling Sparpreis tickets in their traditional forms, i.e., without an email address or mobile number. This was done for quite some time now.
The VCD, one of the aforementioned organizations, remarked, "Deutsche Bahn appears to underestimate the amount of passengers it is alienating by getting rid of Bahncard as a tangible card." Hence, the alliance advocates for a "fair and accessible" alternative that accommodates users who cannot or simply prefer not to use electronic cards.
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- The alliance, including disability groups and trade unions, argues for the continued availability of physical Bahncards and economy tickets, proposing "barrier-free" access to these services, as digital versions may pose restrictions for individuals without internet access.
- The VCD, in their opposition to Deutsche Bahn's plan, highlighted an inconvenience caused by the removal of the physical Plastic railcard, indicating that some people may prefer a tangible alternative due to various barriers, such as visual impairments or technical difficulties with digital devices.
- The proposed abolition of plastic railcards and Sparpreis tickets without email addresses or mobile numbers raises concerns over widening the digital divide and imposing arbitrary "restrictions" on people who cannot or prefer not to use digital platforms, potentially leading to exclusion in accessing affordable public transportation.
Source: www.ntv.de
