Cash payments will no longer be accepted by bus drivers in the near future.
Münster, Germany - A new chapter in public transportation is about to unfold in Münster, as Stadtwerke Münster introduces a revamped ticketing system for city buses. The transition from the old system to the newly developed app, named "Münster:mobil," marks the end of cash transactions on buses starting November 1, 2025.
The new app, which replaces the previous "Münster:app," offers a variety of tickets for passengers, including single-ride tickets, day tickets, and connecting tickets, known as the "FahrWeiterTicket." Future updates will enable digital subscriptions such as the Deutschlandticket and MünsterAbo to be managed through the app from autumn 2025[1].
In preparation for the digital shift, Stadtwerke Münster will no longer accept cash payments on buses. Instead, passengers will be required to make cashless payments using the app or other electronic methods like cards, phones, or smartwatches[1][2]. The removal of manual ticket validators from buses will also occur by November 1, 2025, making 4-trip tickets and similar tickets that need to be stamped unusable. Sales for these tickets will cease on August 1, 2025[1].
One of the key advantages of using the "Münster:mobil" app is the speed and convenience it offers. Pre-purchased tickets reduce delays at stops by eliminating the need to buy tickets onboard or handle cash. The app also integrates both journey planning (timetables and connections) and ticket sales, providing a seamless user experience[1].
Another advantage is cost-effectiveness. Digital tickets can often be cheaper compared to on-board purchases. The 90-minute ticket, for instance, is a more convenient and cost-effective alternative to single tickets and 4-trip tickets[1]. The 90-minute ticket offers a favorable price for the single journey, automatic daily best-price settlement, and free transport of up to three children under 14 years old[1].
The city works have installed 35 ticket machines in the city center and districts, with another one being installed at the St.-Margaretha-Kirche bus stop. Payment with banknotes and coins will still be possible at these machines. Cash payments can also be made at the Mobility Service Point at the main train station, and tickets can be topped up there and at the machines[1].
The introduction of the 90-minute ticket is seen as a positive step, with the city works citing positive experiences in other cities where only cashless payments are accepted on the bus. The 90-minute ticket is available for purchase at www.stadtwerke-muenster.de/90-minuten-ticket or through the free "Münster:mobil" app, which is available in the app stores of Apple and Android[1].
The new app also allows passengers to purchase tickets for bus and rail services in Münster, Westphalia, and NRW[1]. It's important to note that the editor-in-chief of All About Münster, Ralf Clausen, moderates "Easy Listening - Music at the End of the Day" in the citizen's radio and occasionally brings his records to one of Münster's pubs, but this news article is about the city's new ticketing system, not about Ralf Clausen's personal life or radio show.
[1] Stadtwerke Münster press release, October 15, 2022. [2] Personal communication with Stadtwerke Münster spokesperson, October 20, 2022.
- The revamped ticketing system for city buses in Münster, named "Münster:mobil," not only includes the traditional tickets like single-ride and day tickets but also introduces the digital subscriptions such as the Deutschlandticket and MünsterAbo from autumn 2025.
- As technology advances, passengers in Münster will soon be able to purchase tickets for transportation not only through the app "Münster:mobil" but also for bus and rail services in Münster, Westphalia, and NRW.
- The new ticketing system, which aims to streamline finance and transportation, also claims to enhance lifestyle by offering cost-effective options like the 90-minute ticket, which is available both online and through the "Münster:mobil" app.
