Streifenkarten

Streifenkarten, in German-speaking transport systems often called Streifenkarte, are a type of prepaid public transport ticket. A Streifenkarten contains a fixed number of individual rides; each ride is activated by stamping, perforating, or tearing off a stripe on the card. After a ride is used, one stripe is consumed, reducing the remaining number of rides. The card is typically valid for rides on the issuing network and is not a time-bound ticket.

History and usage: Streifenkarten were widely used in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and other parts of Europe from the mid-20th century onward. They were popular for short trips and for travelers who did not use monthly passes. They are usually issued by regional transit authorities or private operators and are generally valid only on the operator’s network. Because they offer multiple rides at a lower per-ride price than single tickets, they were convenient for regular but not daily commuters.

Variants and design: Common formats included packages labeled as 4er, 6er, 8er, or 10er Streifenkarten, where the number indicated the remaining rides. Cards could be made of paper or plastic and were designed to be easily marked or punched at boarding points or ticket machines.

Current status: In many networks, Streifenkarten have been largely replaced by digital and contactless ticketing, including magnetic stripe cards, smart cards, and mobile apps. They persist in some rural or legacy fare systems and among users who favor traditional, cash-free ride options.