Dortmund, 26 February 2026: Niederrheinische Verkehrsbetriebe AG (NIAG) is launching a pilot project for a modern, ID-based ticketing solution on Citybus Kleve, line 49, operated by NIAG subsidiary LOOK Busreisen. The solution was developed by ICA Traffic GmbH from Dortmund. As a specialist in digital ticketing and back-end systems, ICA Traffic has used Tap & Ride® to implement a forward-looking sales system within a very short time, intelligently expanding existing structures and setting new standards for occasional transport.
As the overall technology partner, ICA Traffic was responsible for integrating the ID-based ticketing system into the existing network structure and equipping the vehicles with the modern ‘Traveller CLX’ validator. The aim was to introduce an independent, purely ID-based in-house fare product for Citybus Kleve, specially developed for easy, barrier-free use by occasional passengers. Ticket sales are completely digital and contactless, without the need for traditional ticket purchases and fare complexity.

In addition to hardware integration, ICA Traffic supplied the complete backend infrastructure. The central background system enables transport companies to monitor payments, check-ins and check-outs in real time and to efficiently control sales processes. At the same time, passengers benefit from a user-friendly customer portal where they can transparently track journeys and travel authorisations at any time, view invoices and download receipts – for travel expense reports, for example – directly.

The transport company itself installed the validators in the vehicles. Installing the devices in the driver’s area allows passengers to be actively supported, especially in the introductory phase, which is an important success factor for the rapid acceptance of the system.

It took only about four weeks from the placing of the order to the go-live. With the successful introduction of Tap & Ride®, ICA Traffic demonstrates how ID-based ticketing can be integrated into existing public transport structures in an efficient, network-compatible and economical manner that is fast, scalable and customer-oriented.