Berlin's public transport authority, BVG, plans to implement card payments on bus rides starting from September 1.
Berlin Buses Now Accept Card Payments: A Shift Towards Modern Payment Methods
Berlin's public bus service, BVG, has introduced a significant change to its payment methods, starting from September 1, 2025. Passengers can now pay for their journeys using credit cards and Girocard, marking a step forward in the city's move towards cashless and contactless payments.
Previously, Berlin buses did not accept card payments, a characteristic that was considered a fact of the city's life. However, with the increasing popularity of card payments and the convenience they offer, the BVG has decided to embrace this modern payment method.
The BVG's bus service does not require passengers to have a Deutschlandticket, Berlin-Abo, or other season tickets to purchase a ticket. Instead, passengers can purchase tickets beforehand on a machine or via the BVG app. The BVG Fahrinfo app, updated by August 2025, supports various cashless payments, including credit cards, PayPal, Google Pay, and Apple Pay, enhancing user convenience.
The decision to go cashless on Berlin buses was made a full decade after the same step was taken in London. The project to implement card payments on buses was described as successful at its early stage by epay, the service provider facilitating these payments, indicating positive uptake and potential for nationwide expansion.
However, the reaction from the House of Representatives regarding this payment upgrade in Berlin buses is not documented in the available sources. The AfD, a political party, has expressed concerns, seeing this move towards card payments as "a further step towards the complete abolition of cash."
Despite these criticisms, the inescapable features of Berlin's city life are gradually changing. Closing times in Berlin are often delayed, and smoking indoors is a common practice. Yet, the BVG's bus service continues to maintain its policy, with only three tickets sold on average per day on their buses. Ninety-nine percent of passengers board Berlin's BVG buses with a valid ticket, indicating a high level of compliance with the new payment system.
In conclusion, the introduction of card payments on Berlin buses is a significant step towards modernising the city's payment methods. While some criticisms have been raised, the positive response from users and the success of the project so far suggest a promising future for cashless and contactless payments in Berlin's public transport system.
References:
- epay press release
- BVG Fahrinfo app update announcement
- Berliner Morgenpost article
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