Public Transport Reward Program
There are various types of public transport loyalty programs. They all aim to motivate citizens to leave their cars at home. Anyone who uses a bonus system for public transport is rewarded not only with the good feeling of contributing to climate protection, but also with attractive discounts or other benefits. Some bonus programs are tied to specific transport operators or limited to certain regions, while others can be used throughout Germany.
Public Transport Loyalty Programs for Specific Regions
To motivate as many people as possible to switch from cars to public transport, some transport companies offer their own public transportation incentive programs. Among these are programs that operate across federal states, such as “bwegt” in Baden-Württemberg. The incentive here is to use buses and trains for trips to events or leisure activities in order to receive discounts or even free admission. Although this offer applies throughout the state, it does not generally encourage everyday public transport use, but rather specific trips to predefined destinations.
Other public transport reward programs are directly tied to specific transport providers and can only be used within one city or transport association. An example of this is BonusMOVE from Leipziger Verkehrsbetriebe. Users can collect points on all public transport journeys within the respective associations, which can then be redeemed with partner organizations. For those who only want a loyalty program for public transport in their own city and whose transport operator offers one, this may already be sufficient. However, there are some disadvantages: users can only collect points in one city, and the programs mainly reach people who already use public transport. Car drivers — the group that most needs motivation to switch — generally do not use transport association apps at all. Another drawback from a user perspective is that purely regional apps often have only a few partner organizations where points can be redeemed. Anyone wanting more flexibility in collecting and redeeming bonus points should consider a nationwide alternative.
Nationwide public transportation incentive program
A public transport loyalty program for users who want to collect and redeem points nationwide is the Klima-Taler app. It is based on an entire Klima-Taler network: over 50 cities use this public transportation incentive program. Such a system has several advantages. It can be used anywhere and at any time — even in cities that are not yet part of the Klima-Taler network. Klima-Taler are automatically credited for every public transport journey, regardless of ticket purchase or location. Particularly appealing is that Klima-Taler are awarded not only for using public transport but also for cycling and walking, as this climate currency is based on CO2 savings. This applies not only to mobility but also to climate-friendly behavior in general. The collected Klima-Taler are motivating, and the visible impact in the app provides an additional incentive to leave the car behind and adopt environmentally friendly habits in everyday life.
Another advantage of a nationwide loyalty program for public transport is the comprehensive reward selection. All rewards from all participating cities appear in a large marketplace within the app. In addition to local offers from participating municipalities, there are also online rewards that can be used regardless of location. When you download the free Klima-Taler app, you can see whether your city is already participating. If not, you can still join. And if you want your city to become part of the Klima-Taler network, you can download a template letter for your municipality’s climate management.
Advantages of public transportation incentive program
Anyone who uses a public transport reward program enjoys many benefits and only needs to install an app on their smartphone. The rest happens automatically: points or Klima-Taler are credited without any additional effort. Once users have “earned” a balance, they can redeem it for discounts, vouchers, free rides, or gifts. Depending on the provider, rewards may be limited to fare discounts or free rides, or — as with Klima-Taler — users can access a full app marketplace. There, participating municipalities offer rewards such as free entry to swimming pools, discounts at local sports clubs, or theater vouchers. Local businesses also contribute with offers like a free cup of coffee at a bakery or a discount at an organic grocery store.
Beyond individual benefits, these reward programs for public transportation also support municipalities. Mobility is a crucial pillar of public services because it ensures participation and freedom of movement for citizens. Cities and towns that aim to fulfill this social and ecological responsibility invest heavily in public transport. To ensure public transport is well utilized and serves its purpose, buses and trains must be used by as many people as possible. Public transport reward programs help motivate people to switch, thereby supporting public services.
The Most Important Points of public transport reward programs
Public transportation incentive programs encourage people to leave their cars behind by offering points, discounts, or other rewards. There are regional programs tied to specific cities or transport associations, as well as nationwide systems such as the Klima-Taler app, which credits Klima-Taler for every public transport use, regardless of location. Depending on the system, points can be redeemed with transport associations, individual partners, or via app marketplaces offering numerous rewards such as vouchers and local deals. In addition to individual benefits, these programs strengthen public services by promoting public transport use and ensuring citizen mobility. Nationwide apps like Klima-Taler combine climate protection, motivation for sustainable behavior, and flexible usability — benefiting both individuals and municipalities.
If you are responsible for public transport in your municipality and want to learn more about how the Klima-Taler app can support green mobility and thus public services, we are happy to answer your questions!
If you want to collect Klima-Taler not only when using buses and trains but also when walking, cycling, and engaging in other climate-friendly activities — and receive attractive rewards — download the Klima-Taler app here.
Markus Schulz
m.schulz@changers.com
