Innovative Mobility Solutions for Volunteers in Flensburg

Flensburg Embraces Digital Mobility: A New Partnership for a Good Cause

In Flensburg, the use of public transport by volunteers is being promoted through a new initiative. The city, a partner in the federal programme Engagierte Stadt, already offers free parking for volunteers and is now taking a step further by also offering free public transport. This measure is part of the efforts to support volunteer work in the city while simultaneously strengthening public transportation. We spoke with Katharina Bluhm, coordinator for voluntary work in Flensburg, to learn more about this project.

FAIRTIQ: Ms. Bluhm, the City of Flensburg now offers free public transport rides for volunteers. How did this decision come about?

Katharina Bluhm: The City of Flensburg and our network Engagiert in Flensburg are always on the lookout for ways to support volunteers in our city - because we can't do it without them. Many volunteers not only invest their time but also their own resources to carry out their activities. For years, we have been offering free parking for volunteers. However, it became clear that this did not reach everyone—especially those who prefer to use public transport. The idea to facilitate access to public transport emerged from the desire to create a more inclusive and environmentally friendly solution. With the FAIRTIQ app, we can now make this a reality. Volunteers who meet certain criteria can receive a promo code every quarter, which they can use to travel on Flensburg's buses for free. (more information can be found on the website)

FAIRTIQ: How exactly does this work, and what are the advantages of this digital solution?

Katharina Bluhm: The major advantage of the FAIRTIQ solution lies in its simplicity. Previously, organising such sponsored rides was quite labour-intensive. Physical tickets had to be collected and distributed, which was both time-consuming and costly. Now, it’s as easy as downloading the FAIRTIQ app and entering the promo code provided by the city. No more paperwork, no lost tickets—everything is digital and instantly available.

FAIRTIQ: How have volunteers responded to this new offering, and what long-term impacts do you anticipate?

Katharina Bluhm: The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Many volunteers have shown immediate interest and taken advantage of the offer. In the long term, we hope that this model will be adopted by other cities and that similar offers will be made available to their volunteers. Additionally, we aim to promote the use of public transport overall and thus contribute to environmental protection. This project is a prime example of how digitisation and social responsibility can go hand in hand.

FAIRTIQ as a Partner for Innovative Mobility Solutions

FAIRTIQ offers cities and municipalities a simple and flexible way to promote public transport for specific target groups. With the digital solution, physical tickets can be eliminated, which not only saves costs but also benefits the environment. Additionally, partners can gather valuable data on the use of sponsored rides, allowing them to tailor their offers even more precisely. For the City of Flensburg, the partnership with FAIRTIQ marks an important step toward a more modern and sustainable mobility policy.

This initiative demonstrates how innovative solutions can attract new target groups to public transport—aligned with the needs and demands of a digital society. The City of Flensburg and FAIRTIQ are setting a benchmark for the future of public transport.