The need for mobility in urban and rural areas remains high. But demographic and cultural changes are influencing people’s transport demands: getting around with a private car alone is no longer an option for a growing population. Older people in particular are dependent on supplementary mobility services. Still, it is particularly difficult to switch to bus and rail in rural areas, as fares and timetables often do not meet demand.

This is why the western region of Minden-Lübbecke Mühlenkreis now offers the EiTicket. This involves two new annual subscriptions for regional public transport: The basic subscription enables unlimited use of bus and train in six municipalities for around €1.20 per day. In addition, EiTicket Plus offers the rental of a pedelec, called the EiBike, which can be taken along free of charge in bus and train in the tariff area. (Theft insurance is included.) The use of the e-bike outside the tariff area is made available for an extra charge of €1 per day. Billing is completed via communication between the rear lock and an app on the customer’s smartphone. The decisive highlight of the EiBike: You may borrow it for a year.