May 2, 2024, 8:18 am | Read time: 5 minutes
Deutsche Bahn offers customers several apps for different areas. However, at least one of these services is set to be discontinued: the DB Streckenagent.
The railway company promotes the “DB Streckenagent” with the slogan “The app for commuters & frequent travelers.” According to the Federal Statistical Office, about 22 percent of employed people need between 30 and 60 minutes to get to work. Nearly 5 percent take even longer. And at least 4.6 percent rely on rail-based transportation for their commute. This target group may need to find another source for real-time travel information–the “DB Streckenagent” is being discontinued. TECHBOOK explains the background.
DB Streckenagent to be Discontinued
Anyone who logged into the “DB Streckenagent” app or visited the app’s overview page in the Google Play Store or Apple App Store at the end of April encountered a notice. “The DB Streckenagent app will be replaced on May 2, 2024.” The app has since been removed from the respective app stores. While there is little information available elsewhere, the app itself provides more details.
Instead of the previous offering, the function of the Streckenagent is to be replaced by the so-called Regio Guide. Those searching for “DB Streckenagent” in the Google Play Store or Apple App Store are already automatically suggested this application. Deutsche Bahn states that it wants to consolidate and present its offerings more clearly in the future. The “DB Navigator” app is to serve as the central hub for this.
This was also confirmed by a spokesperson for Deutsche Bahn upon request. “Deutsche Bahn is consolidating its apps and improving the DB Navigator specifically for regional and local travel,” it says, among other things. Particularly popular features like the connection alert and the station monitor are to be gradually moved to the DB Navigator. In the long term, further functions are also planned.
What Users of the “DB Streckenagent” Need to Know
Those who have previously preferred to check their travel data in the DB Streckenagent will need to adapt in the future. The transition is particularly frustrating for users who purchased their Deutschlandticket in the app. For technical reasons, this cannot be transferred to the DB Navigator. This was also confirmed by the DB spokesperson. In these cases, the subscription will automatically end on April 30, 2024. Affected users will then need to purchase and store a new Deutschlandticket through another channel.
As previously mentioned, the DB Streckenagent is to be replaced by the Regio Guide. This is expected to be implemented not only at the service level but also technically. It states: “After an app update, you will find the Regio Guide here, which will continue to provide seamless access to information about your journey. Additionally, the Regio Guide offers exciting regional content such as excursion and leisure tips.” Does that sound familiar?
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Other Apps from Deutsche Bahn
In fact, Deutsche Bahn offers customers a whole range of apps. Here is a list of applications found on a dedicated overview page of DB:
- DB Navigator
- DB Streckenagent (only until May 2, 2024)
- BahnBonus App
- Flinkster
- Call a Bike
- DB Bahnhof live
- Zugportal App
The “DB Navigator” is particularly important. Users can store their travel data and tickets there and receive real-time data. The Bahncard can also be booked through the app. With the “BahnBonus App,” users collect points that can be exchanged for rewards.
Through “Flinkster,” users can book a motorized vehicle connected to their train journey for further transportation. “Call a Bike” works similarly–but for bicycles. In the “DB Bahnhof live” app, users receive information about numerous Deutsche Bahn stations. This includes overviews of which shops are in each building or whether there are restrooms. Information about local connections and parking spaces is also provided.
The “Zugportal App” also provides real-time travel information. Otherwise, the application is primarily understood as an “info and entertainment portal” that delivers news and facts about the region you are currently in or plan to visit.
But that’s not all. Those who search for Deutsche Bahn apps in the Google Play Store will find a whole range of other applications:
- DB Bauarbeiten: informs about construction work on the route
- DB Ausflug: assists with tour planning and provides information on sights, etc.
- Business DB Navigator: for business customers
- DB Rad+: cyclists can collect and redeem points
- everyworks: Coworking: for booking meeting and workspaces
- DB MobiDig: for employees/retirees/pensioners and their relatives
- DB Zug Simulator: mobile game
- several regional apps for ticket booking
What Could the Discontinuation of the DB Streckenagent Mean?
Those who take a closer look at Deutsche Bahn’s app offerings will indeed discover overlaps between the services. Whether further consolidations are planned in the future is not yet known. However, it is not unlikely.
At least the new functionalities of the DB Navigator are expected to be presented on April 17. The whole thing is to take place as part of the industry event “DB Mobility Experience 2024.”