“I was told I should find someone who has an internet connection,” reports the reader. She would like to be able to continue to buy her ticket at the counter or using ticket machines without the help of someone else or an app. “It won’t just affect older people, but everyone who does not like buying over the internet,” said the senior citizen.

Department of works spokesman Werner Schui confirmed there had been a few complaints. The transport system itself is responsible for the tickets. As part of an increasing digitalisation, it wants to see how acceptable a digital-only Carnival ticket will be. “It’s a sign of the times. It will become the norm in the medium term,” VRS press officer Holger Klein told the GA.

There are two options for buying the Carnival ticket. Those who buy an online ticket at home using their computer, need to print it out and pay by credit card, Paypal or an immediate bank transfer. Those not wanting to do that can choose a mobile phone ticket and pay for it through their phone bill or by direct debit. There is also a three per cent discount for this method and the VRS or SWB app is required. This is only available for iOS and Android but not for Windows. Klein said VRS had successfully tested digital-only sales for the graduate ticket for school leavers last summer.

In 2016 customers could still buy the Carnival ticket in the same way as regular tickets at the machines. Original text: Bettina Köhl. Translated by Kate Carey.