In the old-fashioned way, you can buy your ticket at the counter or at the ticket machine. You don't want to stand in a queue and don't want to rely on cash? Then there are completely different options open to you. At the end of 2014, Stiftung Warentest tested ticket apps for local and long-distance transport. We summarise the major points of criticism for you. Which four national apps are still worth a look and what tips do we have for you? Find out here.
You have no use for a monthly or annual ticket? You want to buy your ticket regardless of location or spontaneously? With a ticket app, your mobile phone becomes a ticket machine and a ticket. It's the same for others. One in three would like to buy their ticket with their smartphone - according to TNS Infratest. And how would you like to buy tickets digitally? No question: the process should be uncomplicated and the app should be able to be used nationwide if possible. Ideally, it should look like this: You enter your desired destination and select the best route from the connections on offer. The app automatically tells you the cheapest fare. It would be great if you also received a detailed display of your route and information about delays. After the purchase, the ticket is displayed on the screen as a square image code. Billing should then be possible at least by direct debit and credit card. Unfortunately, none of the apps tested by Stiftung Warentest functioned in all the steps of the desired scenario.
In 2014, Stiftung Warentest published an extensive ticket app test. The result was sobering. Stiftung Warentest judged: All apps are far from mature and the service is only mediocre so far. All of the apps tested are still a long way from the ticket purchase scenario. According to Stiftung Warentest, the ticket apps work well in everyday use. However, the many small deficits make the regional apps in particular more interesting for occasional travellers and tourists.
Capitaine Train: In Germany, the app can only be used to buy tickets for long-distance trains. Unfortunately, regional and suburban trains have not been included so far. When buying tickets, a number of people of up to 5 can be selected. Unfortunately, savings tickets for groups, for example, cannot be purchased. Payment is currently only possible by credit card. Plus point: Capitaine Train can be used to book long-distance trains from nine European providers. Capitaine Train is available for iOS and Android.
DBNavigator: The app provides reliable information on long-distance and local routes and on delays. However, tickets cannot be purchased for local routes. The DBNavigator does not show price information for these either. Payment is by credit card, SOFORT transfer or direct debit. Plus point: The app offers current arrival and departure times and a detailed route planner from door to door. The app is available for iOS and Android.
HandyTiket Germany: The app is a project for public transport in different regions. So far, 20 transport associations are involved. Unfortunately, Stiftung Wahrentest criticised both the registration and possible data changes. These are time-consuming and not possible from within the app, and there is still room for improvement in terms of usability and data protection. Payment options include direct debit, credit card and prepaid. A plus point is that anyone who travels frequently in different transport associations can use a single app - as far as the area of validity allows. Handyticket Deutschland is available for iOS and Android.
Touch & Travel: Touch & Travel is another Deutsche Bahn app. It allows you to jump on the train spontaneously at the last minute. And it works like this: Before the journey, you register from the app via the contact point at the station or via positioning. You then have a valid ticket and can board the desired train. It is possible to change trains without signing off or registering. At the end of the journey, you log off again. Touch & Travel can be used for public transport as well as for local and long-distance travel. However, the area of validity must be taken into account! The app cannot be used for all regional trains and not in all transport networks. Payment is by direct debit. However, only one person can be selected for each purchase. There are no savings tickets - 4 single tickets on one day are combined into one day ticket. Touch & Travel is available for iOS and Android.
