Home » RAILWAY NEWS » Smart Mobility in Germany: How Berlin, Hamburg, and Munich’s Partnership Enhances Tourist Travel
Published on
September 19, 2025
In a groundbreaking move for Germany’s tourism and public transport sectors, the major transport operators of Berlin, Hamburg, and Munich have come together to launch an innovative smart mobility partnership. The new collaboration is set to transform how locals and tourists navigate the cities, with a focus on enhancing travel experiences and improving the efficiency of public transportation.
A Unified Vision for the Future of Urban Mobility
The three cities’ public transport companies—Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG), Hamburger Hochbahn AG (Hochbahn), and Münchner Verkehrsgesellschaft (MVG)—have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signaling a shared commitment to digitalisation, standardisation, and new business models. The primary goal is to create a more seamless, efficient, and user-friendly travel experience for tourists and residents alike.
This partnership, which covers over seven million residents across these three metropolitan areas, is set to provide practical solutions in three key areas: autonomous driving, the development of a unified mobility platform (MAX), and standardising ticketing and sales systems. These initiatives aim to make public transport more reliable and accessible to the growing number of tourists visiting Germany each year.
Innovations to Boost Tourism in Germany
The cooperation will enhance the tourist experience by offering modern, efficient, and sustainable travel options across Berlin, Hamburg, and Munich. With autonomous vehicles expected to be integrated into the transport systems of these cities by 2035, tourists will have a smoother journey from the moment they land. Autonomous buses and shuttles will connect key attractions, airports, and transportation hubs, making it easier for tourists to explore these bustling cities without the usual hassles.
The launch of the MAX mobility platform will allow tourists to access a single, unified app for buses, trains, and shared mobility services. This smart platform will simplify the way people navigate the cities, giving visitors the ability to plan and track their journeys seamlessly, improving their experience from start to finish. The app will combine all modes of transport into one easy-to-use platform, providing tourists with all the information they need at their fingertips.
Moreover, the standardisation of sales systems across these cities will ensure that tourists can easily purchase tickets and passes, whether for a single journey or a longer-term stay, without navigating complex or incompatible systems. This will significantly reduce the stress of travel and ensure a smoother, more enjoyable experience for visitors exploring Germany.
Sustainability and Efficiency for the Future of Tourism
Incorporating sustainable practices into this initiative is a priority for the partnership. With growing concerns about environmental impact, these cities are working together to ensure that smart mobility solutions not only improve the travel experience but also support sustainable tourism. By reducing traffic congestion, lowering emissions, and enhancing public transport options, the partnership contributes to a greener and more eco-conscious future for tourism in Germany.
The introduction of autonomous driving technology is also expected to make public transport more cost-effective. By reducing the need for human drivers, these innovations will help cut operational costs, which could be reinvested into further improving transportation services for tourists and locals. This is especially important for tourism, as it ensures that the cities remain accessible and attractive to visitors while maintaining a low environmental footprint.
Collaborative Efforts to Shape the Future of Travel
The strategic partnership between the three cities’ public transport operators signals the beginning of a new era of smart travel in Germany. Henrik Falk, CEO of BVG, shared that the collaboration is designed to bring together the brightest minds from the country’s largest transport operators to shape the future of public transport. Robert Henrich, CEO of Hochbahn, emphasized that digitalisation and new technologies will help create customer-focused mobility solutions, making it easier for tourists to explore the cities.
Ingo Wortmann, CEO of MVG, also noted that the focus on automation will help reduce costs and improve efficiency, benefiting the entire tourism industry. By working together, the three companies are setting the stage for a tourism-friendly future, where transportation is not only efficient but also accessible, sustainable, and innovative.
A New Chapter for Tourism in Germany
The collaboration between Berlin, Hamburg, and Munich marks an exciting step forward for tourism and smart mobility in Germany. By leveraging digitalisation, sustainability, and innovation, the three cities are shaping a travel ecosystem that will enhance the experience for tourists and locals alike. From autonomous vehicles to unified apps and harmonised ticketing systems, these advancements will make it easier for visitors to explore Germany’s most vibrant cities. As this partnership continues to evolve, it will set a new standard for tourism and public transport, not just in Germany, but across Europe. Tourism will undoubtedly thrive in these cities, making them even more attractive destinations for travelers from all over the world.
