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Elderly Driver Navigates Half of Munich for modest Fare of 2.20 Euros

Frustrated Journey: Elderly Passenger Receives Vouchers Instead of Cash from Ticket Machine in Munich, Forcing a Half-City Trek for a Fare of 2.20 Euros.

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Mishap at Munich Train Station: Ticket Machine Malfunctions, Dispenses Vouchers Instead of Cash....
Mishap at Munich Train Station: Ticket Machine Malfunctions, Dispenses Vouchers Instead of Cash. Elderly Passenger Forced to Traverse City for 2.20 € Fare.

Elderly Driver Navigates Half of Munich for modest Fare of 2.20 Euros

Title: Change Reimbursement Hassle in Munich - A Inconvenient Truth

Author: Gabriele Winter

Introduction

In the bustling city of Munich, ever felt that train station ticket machines are against you? Well, some of them might be—at least when it comes to returning change. Take the recent setbacks faced by Ulrike Brock and Roswitha Neulen as examples.

The Troubles

Ulrike, a 66-year-old, found herself in an unexpected predicament after buying a train ticket at Sollner station. She inserted a 20-euro bill, expecting change of 2.20 euros, but all she received was a slip saying "Overpayment Voucher - to be redeemed at all staffed DB sales points." This slip seemed mysterious and troublesome, as Ulrike found out that the only DB sales points in Munich are at the main and east stations and in Pasing.

Roswitha Neulen faced a similar ordeal while buying a strip card at Marienplatz station for an S-Bahn journey to the main station. She paid with a 50-euro bill and patiently waited for her change, but only received another voucher. Desperate, she turned to a woman in the MVG customer center, only to be told that the DB machine (with the MVG logo) was responsible and that she should contact the sales point in Pasing.

The Frustration

Both women criticized the lack of signs alerting them that the machine does not dispense change. If such signs were present, they could have opted for the more convenient card payment option. The DB claims that the machine could not return change due to technical reasons, and instead issues a corresponding receipt. However, getting to one of the three travel centers to redeem the vouchers would cost them four train tickets or 7.12 euros, and take up a significant amount of time.

The Aftermath

Ulrike, feeling annoyed, refused to absolve the loss and insisted on getting her money back. The MVG, however, argued that they are not responsible and pointed out that their machines do provide change in most cases. They called for the MVG machines to be easily identifiable as clear MVG machines to avoid any confusion.

Further Notes

  • Troubles arising at train station ticket machines may seem unusual. However, in situations where the machine cannot return cash, they issue vouchers that can often be redeemed at DB Reisezentrum, ticket counters at major stations, or MVG Kundenzentren.
  • Always check the machine for instructions or warnings about change availability before inserting cash.
  • Consult the official DB or MVG websites or information desks at stations for up-to-date information.

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In her struggle to claim the change she was rightfully owed, Ulrike demands clarity about this issue, questioning the apparent damage to the MVG's image due to customers' confusion between DB and MVG machines. Meanwhile, MVG downplays the impact on their image, citing that their machines mainly dispense change, with the exception of rare technical difficulties.

Many major cities face problems similar to this one, and it's essential to raise awareness about various issues related to transport and ensure better customer service to maintain a positive reputation for transit operators.

  1. The issue of unredeemed vouchers for change in public-transit ticket machines in Munich has raised concerns within the banking-and-insurance sector, with some questioning the impact on the city's public-transit operator's image.
  2. Given the complexity of financial transactions involving transportation systems, such as train tickets and stripcards, it's crucial for the industry to foster transparency and invest in clear signage to prevent customer dissatisfaction and potential losses.
  3. As Gabriele Winter points out, problems like these in the transportation sector can have a significant impact on the public's trust and reputation, and the industry must address these issues to develop better relationships with customers and contribute positively to the broader finance and insurance sectors.

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