The new VVS app is here - experience timetable information in a new way

The previous VVS app has been removed from app stores as it has been replaced by a completely new application. The new app is based on a modern technical platform that will be maintained and further developed in the long term.

To avoid confusion and ensure clear user guidance, the old app is no longer available for download.

Versions of the old app that have already been installed can continue to be used for the time being – a specific shutdown date will be announced in good time.

As this is not an update but a completely new development, the new app must be downloaded separately from the App Store or Google Play Store (see links above under ‘Switch now’).

The new app supports the following minimum versions:

• Android: version 10 or higher
• iOS: version 16.7 or higher

The comparatively high minimum requirement for iOS is due to the technical requirements of the integrated ticket shop. A current system environment is necessary to ensure secure and stable use.

We ask for your understanding that older operating system versions can no longer be supported.

For devices that are not compatible, the mobile, web-based information portal at https://www3.vvs.de is still available.

The app supports German and English.

• If the system language of the device is set to a language other than German or English, English will automatically be used as the app language.
• From version 1.0.2.2417211 onwards, the app language can be changed directly via the Android settings on Android devices running Android 13 or higher, regardless of the system language.
  Example: The device uses German as the system language, but the app is displayed in English.
• This feature was already available in the previous version on iOS devices.
  The current app version includes a direct link to the respective language setting in the operating system for both operating systems. This can be found within the app under ‘Profile --> App settings’.
   

The app only requests permissions when they are necessary for specific functions. The following permissions are used in detail:

• Location access: For use when entering the start and destination and displaying stops and other points nearby in the ‘Surroundings’ section.
• Push notifications: For notifications about disruptions or timetable changes to subscribed lines or stops.
• Camera access: For scanning vouchers in the ticket shop.

All permissions are voluntary and can be adjusted at any time in the device settings.

It is not possible to automatically transfer favourites and previous histories, as the new app is a completely newly developed application.

Favourites must therefore be created again. Histories, such as recently used connections or searched points, are automatically rebuilt when using the new app.

Logging into the ticket shop continues to work as usual. All data stored in the user account – such as payment methods, purchased tickets or personal settings – is also available in the new app.

Digital accessibility was a key aspect in the development of the new app. The aim was to enable as many people as possible to use it independently and comfortably, regardless of individual limitations.

The following accessibility features have been implemented:

• High contrast for good readability
• Font enlargement up to 200% supported
• Read-aloud function (screen reader compatibility)
• Keyboard operability for alternative navigation

In addition, we offer special profiles for connection information (stepless and visually impaired).

Further information and individual accessibility settings can be found directly in the app under ‘Profile → VVS barrier-free’.

The new app has been completely redesigned in terms of design and user guidance.

However, the basis of the timetable information remains the same: it is still based on the familiar information system, which is continuously maintained and expanded in the background.

In the course of the redevelopment, additional content has already been added to the timetable information. New features include reasons for delays, information on capacity utilisation and train length, as well as new information on platform accessibility.

The integrated SSB ticket shop is also still part of the app – now with improved integration, such as access to the active ticket on the home page and direct access to account settings via the profile.

Unfortunately, there was a bug in the first app version 1.0.0 that limited the functionality of the map in the app – in particular, pulling down the page above the map in the trip details and in the ‘Surroundings’ tab did not work as expected. This bug has been fixed in the new version 1.0.2.

If you had to disable active apps in the Android accessibility settings (e.g. ‘Link to Windows’) as a workaround in connection with version 1.0.0, you can reactivate them after updating the app.

The departure overview for a stop can be found in the ‘Surroundings’ tab.

It can be opened either by selecting a stop on the map, in the ‘Nearby’ list or via the search field.

The route lines can be found in the ‘Environment’ tab.

They can be opened using the ‘Search for stop, line or address’ input field and activating the ‘Search for lines’ button.

The notifications are located on the home page below the history.

In the past, manual reports from passengers were helpful in filling gaps in the data – for example, regarding capacity utilisation, disruptions or defective lifts.

• We now receive capacity utilisation data for many vehicles automatically – either through passenger counting systems or through projections. This system is being continuously expanded.
• We receive fault reports directly from transport companies or via automated systems. This information is usually faster, more reliable and more comprehensive.
• We also usually receive reliable information about lift faults directly from the operators via interfaces. This means that the information is more up-to-date and accurate.

Manual reporting of this content is therefore no longer necessary.

• Reports of damage or dirt can be submitted in the new app using the contact form. This can be found in the app in the ‘Start’ or “Profile” menu under ‘Help & Contact’. Alternatively, it can be accessed directly at https://kontakt.vvs.de.

Select the ‘Complaint’ section in the contact form and the topic “Stop” or ‘Vehicle’ and briefly describe the incident. If possible, please include a photo.

If lift malfunctions are not recorded, these can also be reported via the contact form (section ‘Complaint’, topic ‘Stop’).

In the connection overview, you can see this indicated by a small clock behind the arrival time. This is a sign that the lines are being monitored in real time. As soon as one of the included journeys is displayed with current information (departure and arrival times and platform details), this clock appears.

This can also be seen in the journey details: the clock is located behind the line's destination stop, provided that current journey data is available for this section.

If no live data is available for the vehicles, the app unfortunately cannot display delays or cancellations.
We are aware of how important reliable real-time data is for your planning. That is why we are continuously working to further expand the availability and quality of live data.

Yes, you can continue to use your existing login details with your usual username and password.

All data stored in your user account – such as payment methods, purchased tickets or personal settings – will also be available in the new app. No re-registration is required.

Only favourites and previous histories will not be transferred, as this is a completely newly developed app. These can be rebuilt in the new app.

If the Deutschland-Ticket was purchased from SSB, there are two differences:

1. Germany Ticket purchased via app (VVS Mobil, SSB Move or polygo app)

The Germany Ticket subscription can be cancelled directly via the app. This can be done in the ‘Subscriptions’ section of the ‘Profile’ area of the app.

Alternatively, you can cancel quickly and easily via the cancellation link in the purchase confirmation email.

Once your cancellation has been processed, you will receive a confirmation email within a few minutes.

2. Subscription on the polygoCard

If the subscription is stored on the polygoCard, it can be cancelled online via the SSB subscription change service. You will find the contract number for cancellation on your account statement, in the confirmation email or in the first letter.

Detailed information can be found here.

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Information on cancelling subscriptions purchased from other subscription centres can be found here.

That depends on whether you are registered or unregistered in the app:

• Unregistered: Google Pay, Apple Pay, PayPal and credit card.
• Registered: Additionally via SEPA direct debit

Unfortunately, this is not possible at the moment.

Many transport associations – including VVS – rely on so-called dynamic tickets, which are regularly updated and contain moving elements (e.g. a running clock or a moving logo). This ensures secure and reliable ticket inspection.

Apple and Google wallets do not yet offer such security features.
There is also no practical solution yet for the regular provision of subscription tickets in wallet applications.

The integration of VVS tickets into Apple or Google Wallet is often requested by users. As soon as the technical requirements are in place, we will include this option in the app – but at present, the security and validity of tickets are our priority.

On 8 April, the ticket shop was converted to a central customer login (this was communicated in the old app). Once you have installed the new app, you will already have access to this central customer login.

A one-time password reset was required as part of the changeover. If you have not yet done so, you will find step-by-step instructions here: Instructions for re-registration

If you are still unable to log in despite having reset your password, please use the ‘Forgot password’ button in the login screen to reset it again.

Is the following sequence occurring?

• The purchase process with PayPal initially runs correctly.
• After completing the purchase with PayPal, the ticket is not downloaded.
• In PayPal, the payment is permanently listed as ‘Authorisation pending’.

Then it is most likely a known issue that currently only occurs when Firefox is set as the default browser on the device.

Short-term solution:
Please set Google Chrome as your default browser. This should allow ticket purchases with PayPal to work smoothly.
The payment that is listed as ‘authorisation pending’ in PayPal will not be charged.

We are already working on fixing the issue and will provide the necessary app update as soon as possible.

It appears that you have not yet confirmed your account in the ticket shop after registering. You should have received an email with a link to the confirmation request during the registration process.

To unlock your account, please contact SSB customer service, which manages customer data in the ticket shop, stating the email address you used and referring to the error message. Please use the SSB contact form for this purpose: here.