Berlin transit authority, BVG, implements card payment system on city buses, starting from September 1.
Berlin's public transportation authority, BVG, is set to modernize its bus system by accepting card payments, starting from September 1, 2022. This change follows a broader European rollout of contactless card usage for public transport fares, with cities like Brest Métropole (France) already implementing the system from September 16, 2025.
The move towards a cashless system on Berlin buses is expected to streamline the boarding process and reduce the number of passengers boarding without a valid ticket. According to the BVG, 99% of passengers currently hold a valid ticket, but the remaining 1% can still purchase a ticket beforehand on a machine or via the BVG app.
Previously, Berlin buses only accepted cash payments. However, the transition to card payments is not a complete departure from the city's culture. Smoking indoors, late closing times, and other aspects of city life will remain unaffected by this change.
The decision to go cashless on Berlin buses has drawn criticism in the House of Representatives, particularly from the AfD. The party views the move as "a further step towards the complete abolition of cash". However, the BVG's decision does not imply a broader change in the city's policies or culture.
Despite the AfD's criticisms, the broader context from sources like the Deutsche Bundesbank shows steady growth and acceptance of card payments in Germany overall. No specific criticisms or public backlash against the decision to adopt card payments on Berlin buses were explicitly mentioned in the results.
A technical glitch in August 2025 temporarily disrupted card payments on Berlin buses, requiring passengers to pay cash only at that time. This suggests challenges with reliability during the transition but does not provide detailed critical commentary.
The shift towards card payments on Berlin buses is a notable exception to the slow pace of change in certain aspects of the city's life. For years, the inability to pay by card on Berlin buses was considered an inescapable feature of the city. Now, residents and visitors will be able to pay for their bus fares with ease, making the city's public transportation system more accessible and modern.
In summary, the transition to card payments on Berlin buses is a sign of modernization in the city's public transportation system and a shift in city life for its residents and visitors. The change does not affect the smoking indoors, late closing times, or other aspects of Berlin city life and is part of a broader European rollout of contactless card usage for public transport fares.
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