IDBT goes live in Freyung-Grafenau
After months of careful planning and preparation, and in cooperation with Mastercard, Telematrik, and Mikroelektronika, Switchio is pleased to announce the launch of ID-based ticketing (IDBT) in Freyung-Grafenau, Germany. This exciting project is on track to give passengers in the region an entirely new transit experience, one with a focus on convenience thanks to simplified digital ticketing.
Moving people with modern ticketing technology
Home to some 80,000 inhabitants, the Bavarian district of Freyung-Grafenau has upgraded its public transit network with a modern, efficient IDBT system built around Switchio’s intelligent modular transit processing platform. It gives the public transit operator a wide array of AFC solutions, including a fare calculation module, whereby passengers will no longer have to decide which ticket to buy and will instead get the best fare automatically based on their personal travel history.
Passengers will now enjoy the speed and freedom of open-loop ticketing, using their NFC-based bank card, smartphone, or smart wearable as their payment method and digital ticket in one. The new system also employs fare capping, which ensures riders never pay more than they should in a given period.
Ultimately, by eliminating conventional paper tickets, the project also advances the principles of environmental stewardship.
I think we’re all in agreement that this project is going to provide a huge boost to the public’s perception of the district in terms of both public transport and climate protection. And Freyung-Grafenau will serve as a model for others to follow
A beacon for digital mobility
The project is headed by Stephanie Lelanz of the Institute of Transport and Economics, Technische Universität Dresden. She sees implementation of the new ticketing platform as an important step for the future of urban mobility in the region: “I think we’re all in agreement that this project is going to provide a huge boost to the public’s perception of the district in terms of both public transport and climate protection. And Freyung-Grafenau will serve as a model for others to follow”.
According to Eric W. Pitts, Strategic Partnerships & Alliances at Switchio, the project is a game-changer: “We’re introducing open-loop, automated-fare-collection ticketing to yet another German transit operation. Fare capping prevents overpayment, while the elimination of paper tickets enhances environmental sustainability. This initiative positions Freyung-Grafenau as a model for urban mobility. Get ready for a transit revolution, where convenience meets eco-conscious commuting!”
Eduard Nesiba, Business Development Consultant with Switchio, is pleased with the way the team overcame obstacles on the path to implementation: “One of the biggest challenges for us was the complicated tariff system, but we worked closely with the local council and succeeded in simplifying it. Now we’re able to offer passengers a smart tariff model that automatically selects the most suitable fare, including the application of discounts for periods of up to 30 days”.
