📋 Tender Overview
The Albtal-Verkehrs-Gesellschaft (AVG) and Deutsche Bahn (DB) will start rolling out the new ticket machines in the region in September. In the coming weeks and months, devices from the new generation of machines will be successively set up at numerous train stops in the AVG network, thus further improving the service quality for passengers when buying tickets on site. The two project partners had already informed about the project in spring (see also press release of April 21, 2023).
The installation of a total of 148 machines of the new generation, which are uniformly decorated in the yellow and white national design of the mobility umbrella brand “bwegt”, is now beginning. In addition, additional machines will also be set up at some stops – for example in Untergrombach. The construction of the new machines should be completed by the big timetable change on December 10th.
Replacing a stationary ticket machine usually takes no longer than 24 hours. Unfortunately, while a new machine is being installed, it is not possible to purchase tickets on the device. If a ticket is checked on the train, passengers can - as is already the case in the case of a machine malfunction - inform the inspection staff of the failure by stating the location of the machine or the machine number (this is attached to the machine housing).
After the successful installation of a new machine, full ticket sales are not possible in the short term, as the machine still has to be given change for cash purchases. This also usually happens within
a day. Until then, tickets can be purchased cashlessly using a debit or credit card and, if appropriate, with cash. A cash purchase with change returned is only possible again afterwards.
Large screens, user-friendly operation, cashless payment
The machines with the new, friendly look offer the same range of tickets and an identical menu navigation as the previous models. This makes it easier for passengers to adapt to the new devices. At the same time, they also bring a number of improvements for AVG customers: The 15-inch displays are significantly brighter and offer good contrast even in direct sunlight - this increases the readability of the menu and the convenience when purchasing tickets.
Customers can pay for their tickets on the new devices as before: either in the classic way in cash with coins or banknotes or cashless using a Girocard (EC card) or credit card (Mastercard, VISA). The Apple and Google Pay payment services can also be used to purchase tickets using the NFC field on a smartphone.
All points of sale will remain
By redesigning the vending machine landscape at the AVG stops, there will be no reductions in the number of staff-operated ticket offices, for example in Baden-Baden, Bruchsal, Pforzheim and Rastatt. All outlets will remain. The AVG and DB will stick to the proven structures here.
With the rollout of the new machines, AVG is implementing a requirement from the state of Baden-Württemberg in the new AVG transport contract for network 7a. As the responsible body for local rail passenger transport, the state would like to offer passengers uniform-looking ticket machines with a comparable range of functions on as many public transport routes in the state as possible. In network 7a, this affects the routes of the AVG lines S31/S32, S4, S5 (only sections in Baden-Württemberg), S6, S7/S71 and S8/S81.
