Train station frustration: Munich seniors fight against voucher chaos!

Train station frustration: Munich seniors fight against voucher chaos!

In Munich, frustration with Deutsche Bahn's (DB) ticket machines has grown. These machines don't give change, they just spit out overpayment vouchers. A clear case of annoyance for travelers, because when do you ever feel like setting off on a long journey across the city for the little money you've laboriously saved up? One example is 66-year-old Ulrike Brock, who only received a voucher when she bought a ticket with a 20 euro note at Solln train station. Ultimately she had no choice but to walk to the main train station to redeem this voucher. Another case concerns 81-year-old Roswitha Neulen, who fell into the same trap at Marienplatz with a 50 euro note and urgently drew attention to the problem. These stories are just two of many that have been uncovered, while other travelers also complained about the lack of clear notices on the machines to indicate that change will not be given.

As the tz reported, there are only three sales points in Munich where these vouchers can be redeemed: at the main train station, Ostbahnhof and in Pasing. Of course, that doesn't suit a city life where you're often in a hurry. The MVG customer center at Marienplatz, where Ms. Brock went, could not help her and sent her on the detour to Pasing. Additional costs and time could be incurred for a voucher - an unreasonable situation for travelers. DB defends itself and explains that its machines cannot return cash for technical reasons, which does not make the situation any better.

The reaction of the passengers

The voices of those affected are loud and clear. Frustration grows when you consider that there are similar experiences at Sollner Bahnhof and many other locations in Bavaria. 81-year-old Roswitha Neulen also had to experience this - her voucher for 2.20 euros after buying a strip card only left her with another problem. The security service in the customer center did not provide the solution we had hoped for. Instead she was escorted out, which only caused her more trouble.
For many people, buying a ticket has simply become a gamble if you don't know exactly whether you will receive change or a voucher. The Watson also reported on the growing discontent and the very few opportunities to redeem the vouchers.

A look at the new technology

The situation not only raises questions about satisfaction with ticket purchases, but also about the innovative strength of German public transport. The VRR has already introduced new, customer-friendly ticket machines that score points with a user interface in eight languages ​​and flexible payment options. In addition to cash payments, checking or credit cards and contactless payments are also possible here. That's actually how it could look at the DB - if, for example, not only the ticket but also the change were issued at the machines, you could save yourself a lot of disappointment.

In summary, many Munich travelers want a faster, uncomplicated ticket sales solution so that they don't have to carry their money around in the form of vouchers. The annoyance about the inadequate technology and the lack of clear information on the machines remains and should be urgently addressed so that no traveler ever experiences that they have to travel through half of Munich for 20 euros.