Donau-Iller-Nahverkehrsverbund-GmbH (DING)

What Donau-Iller-Nahverkehrsverbund-GmbH (DING) does

Donau-Iller-Nahverkehrsverbund-GmbH (DING) is a regional public transport association (Verkehrsverbund) founded in 1998 and headquartered in Ulm, Baden-Württemberg. It coordinates and integrates bus, tram, and rail services across four districts — Alb-Donau-Kreis, Landkreis Biberach, Landkreis Neu-Ulm, and the city of Ulm — spanning two federal states (Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria). Through a unified tariff system, DING makes a single ticket valid across 26 partner transport companies, eliminating cross-operator fare complexity for the general public: commuters, students, seniors, and occasional travelers. The organization is commissioned by four Aufgabenträger (authorizing bodies) plus the states of Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria through the Bayerische Eisenbahngesellschaft (BEG), and it operates as a private limited company (GmbH) under public mandate.

The core platform is the 'unser DING' mobile application (iOS/Android), supported by an electronic timetable information system (EFA), the CiCoBW check-in/check-out app for Baden-Württemberg, the DINGrid 24/7 chatbot, and a DING Umweltrechner environmental calculator. Demand-responsive services (ADKflex, Pfiffibus, AST) extend coverage to low-density areas, and special event buses (Schützenbus) serve major regional events. The supporting ecosystem includes the DINGFO customer magazine, a guided hiking program (DING-Wanderungen) with the Schwäbischer Albverein, and integration with third-party ticket platforms (SWU-App, DB Navigator). Payments are processed via LogPay Financial Services, with SSO and ticket-barcode generation handled by Vedisys AG.

DING generates revenue through ticket sales (single tickets, day passes, annual/monthly subscriptions, D-TICKET variants) and public subsidies from its commissioning authorities. Distribution is multi-channel: app, onboard vehicles, station ticket machines, Verkaufsstellen, and partner platforms. The organization carries 67.7 million passengers in 2025 (a record high surpassing pre-Corona 2019) with a lean staff of 13 employees, the latter reflective of its asset-light coordination role rather than direct transit operations. Leadership comprises Managing Director Bastian Goßner and Supervisory Board Chairman Mario Glaser.

Name

Donau-Iller-Nahverkehrsverbund-GmbH (DING)

Legal name

Donau-Iller-Nahverkehrsverbund-GmbH

Website

https://ding.eu

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Donau-Iller-Nahverkehrsverbund-GmbH (DING) is a regional German public transport association integrating 26 bus, tram, and rail operators across four districts in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria. It serves commuters, students, and travelers via a unified tariff, mobile app, and AI chatbot.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Ulm

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Personnel, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Public Transport Ticket Sales: DING generates revenue through ticket sales across all modes (bus, tram, rail) within its tariff area, including single tickets, day passes, monthly/annual tickets, and the Deutschlandticket. Tickets are sold via the app, onboard vehicles, and at station machines.
2. Public Subsidies and Transport Contracts: As a public transport authority, DING receives funding from its authorizing bodies: the cities of Ulm and Neu-Ulm, the Alb-Donau-Kreis, Biberach, and Neu-Ulm districts, as well as the State of Baden-Württemberg and the Free State of Bavaria. These bodies define public transport requirements and fund service provision.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Donau-Iller-Nahverkehrsverbund-GmbH (DING) is a public transport association (Verkehrsverbund) that coordinates and provides unified ticketing for bus, tram, and rail services across the Donau-Iller region spanning four districts (Alb-Donau-Kreis, Landkreis Biberach, Landkreis Neu-Ulm, and the city of Ulm) in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria. DING integrates 26 transport companies under a single tariff system, allowing passengers to use any mode of transport with one DING ticket. The digital ecosystem includes the 'unser DING' mobile app, DINGrid chatbot, CiCoBW check-in/check-out app, and an Environmental Calculator, complemented by demand-responsive transport services such as ADKflex and Pfiffibus.

Product overview

Donau-Iller-Nahverkehrsverbund-GmbH (DING) is a regional public transport association covering the Alb-Donau district, Biberach district, Neu-Ulm district, and the city of Ulm. The offering is a platform-plus-modules architecture centered on the "unser DING" mobile app for journey planning and ticket purchasing, complemented by electronic timetable information (Fahrplanauskunft) and various ticket products (D-TICKET/Deutschlandticket, Kurzstreckenticket, Semesterticket, annual/monthly tickets). On-demand transport services include ADKflex and Pfiffibus, while the DINGrid chatbot provides 24/7 customer support. Additional services include the CiCoBW check-in/check-out app, environmental calculator, special event buses (Schützenbus), and the DINGFO customer magazine. The DING area spans the Donau and Iller rivers, from the Swabian Alb to Upper Swabia, with 26 transport companies operating buses and trains.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• DINGrid: AI chatbot for customer service providing 24/7 assistance with questions about public transport schedules, tickets, and services
• DINGFO
• unser DING
• CiCoBW

Products and services

• unser DING App Mobile application offering journey planning with real-time information, ticket purchasing with up to 14% discount, optional push notifications for transport news, tour guide features, and on-demand bus booking (ADKflex, AST, Pfiffibus). Available for iOS and Android.
• D-TICKET / Deutschlandticket Nationwide Germany ticket for public transport, including variants for youth (D-TICKET JugendBW), job commuters (D-TICKET Job), and social recipients (D-TICKET Sozial).
• Kurzstreckenticket Ulm/Neu-Ulm Short-distance ticket valid for up to 4 stops in tram/bus or 1 stop in train within Ulm/Neu-Ulm city area. Priced at 2.20 EUR (adults) and 1.30 EUR (children 6-14).
• DINGrid Chatbot AI-powered chatbot providing 24/7 customer support for questions about tickets, subscriptions, lost items, transport rules, tariffs, and general public transport information. Accessible via chat widget on the website.
• CiCoBW Check-in/Check-out app for Baden-Württemberg allowing passengers to board without tariff knowledge and travel with the cheapest fare for the region.
• ADKflex On-demand transport service in the Alb-Donau-Kreis area. Bookable via app or phone, providing flexible mobility beyond fixed bus routes.
• Pfiffibus Demand-responsive bus service for rural areas. Bookable in advance, operating as a flexible alternative to scheduled bus services.
• Schützenbus Special event bus service providing additional transport during major events like the Biberach Schützenfest, with special lines and schedules.
• Regiobus Regional bus service connecting various destinations throughout the DING area beyond city boundaries.
• Fahrplanauskunft (Journey Planner) Electronic timetable information and journey planner providing real-time route planning and departure/arrival times for public transport in the DING area.
• Jahreskarten (Annual Tickets) Annual season tickets for commuters and regular users of public transport in the DING area.
• Wochen-/Monatskarten (Weekly/Monthly Tickets) Weekly and monthly season tickets for commuters and regular users of public transport.
• Semesterticket Semester ticket for university students providing unlimited travel in the DING area during the academic semester.
• Einzel-/Tageskarten (Single and Day Tickets) Single trip and day tickets for occasional travelers, including single, day ticket single, and day ticket group options.
• Ticket 65plus Discounted ticket for passengers aged 65 and older, offering reduced fares for senior citizens.
• Kinder-Karte (Children's Ticket) Discounted tickets for children, including reduced fares for Kurzstreckenticket and single tickets.
• Bayerisches Ermäßigungsticket Discount ticket for Bavaria, providing reduced fares for eligible passengers in the DING region.
• DINGFO Magazin Customer magazine covering local events, travel tips, and news about the Ulm region. Available online at dingfo.de.
• DING-Wanderungen (Hiking Program) Organized hiking tours with the Schwäbischer Albverein, free with valid DING ticket. Six guided tours from April to October 2026.

Quantifiable outcome

• 67.7 million passengers carried in 2025 — a record high surpassing pre-Corona 2019 levels
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration9 records

AI capability2 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Stadt Ulm (City of Ulm)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCity of Ulm is one of the four Aufgabenträger (authorizing bodies) in the DING consortium. It defines public transport requirements and funds service provision within its municipal area.
• Stadt Neu-Ulm (City of Neu-Ulm)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCity of Neu-Ulm is one of the four Aufgabenträger in the DING consortium, responsible for defining and funding ÖPNV within its municipal area.
• Alb-Donau-KreiscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAlb-Donau district is one of the four Aufgabenträger in the DING consortium, responsible for defining and funding public transport across its rural district area.
• Landkreis BiberachcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBiberach district is one of the four Aufgabenträger in the DING consortium, responsible for public transport funding and requirements in its area.
• Landkreis Neu-UlmcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNeu-Ulm district is one of the four Aufgabenträger in the DING consortium, responsible for ÖPNV funding and service definition in its district.
• Land Baden-Württemberg (Ministry of Transport)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe State of Baden-Württemberg, represented by the Ministry of Transport, organizes rail lines and provides state-level funding and regulatory oversight for ÖPNV in the DING area.
• Bayerische Eisenbahngesellschaft mbH (BEG)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBEG represents the Free State of Bavaria in organizing rail services within the DING region. Bavaria funds and defines rail transport requirements as part of the cross-border consortium.
• agilis Eisenbahngesellschaft mbH & Co. KGcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRail operator providing regional rail services within the DING network. One of 26 transport companies operating in the DING tariff area.
• SWU (Stadtwerke Ulm/Neu-Ulm)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLocal utility and transport company operating tram and bus services in Ulm and Neu-Ulm, and a distribution partner for DING tickets via the SWU-App.
• Schwäbischer Albverein (Swabian Alb Association)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for the DING-Wanderungen hiking excursion program. The Albverein provides guided hikes while DING provides free transport to participants using valid DING tickets.
• DB RegiocoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDeutsche Bahn's regional rail subsidiary operating multiple rail lines in the DING area (RE55, RS3, RB59). One of 26 transport companies in the DING network.
• SWEG (Südwestdeutsche Landesverkehrs-GmbH)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRail operator operating RS3 and RB59 services in the DING area. One of 26 transport companies in the DING network.
• Arverio Baden-WürttembergcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRail operator (formerly Go-Ahead Baden-Württemberg) operating regional rail services in the DING area.
• SAB (Süddeutsche Alb-Bahn)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRail operator operating RB59 services (Ulm–Schelklingen–Münsingen–Gammertingen) within the DING area.
• LogPay Financial Services GmbHcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerFinancial services partner handling payment processing, invoicing, and SEPA direct debit/credit card collections for ticket purchases made through the 'unser DING' app.
• Vedisys AGcoreTechnology or IntegrationTechnology partner providing the Single Sign-On (SSO) module and ticket generation system (VDA_KA standard barcode) for the 'unser DING' app.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Rhein-Main-Verkehrsverbund (RMV): Regional Verkehrsverbund for the Frankfurt/Rhine-Main area, integrating bus, tram, rail, and on-demand services under a single tariff. Comparable in scope of multimodal coordination and digital offering.
• Hamburger Verkehrsverbund (hvv): Public transport association for the Hamburg metropolitan region, operating one of Germany's most-used transit apps and integrated hvv Deutschlandticket. Closely comparable in digital platform and multi-operator integration model.
• Nahverkehrsverbund Schleswig-Holstein (NAH.SH): State-wide Verkehrsverbund for Schleswig-Holstein organizing bus and rail services under one tariff and a single app. Comparable organizational model to DING across regional public transport.
• Verkehrs- und Tarifverbund Stuttgart (VVS): Public transport tariff and coordination authority for the Stuttgart region in Baden-Württemberg. Directly comparable as a German Verkehrsverbund that integrates bus, tram, and rail operators under a single tariff and digital ecosystem.
• Nordhessischer Verkehrsverbund (NVV): Regional Verkehrsverbund for northern Hesse, known for digitally integrated rural on-demand services. Comparable to DING in its strong emphasis on demand-responsive transport like ADKflex and Pfiffibus.
• Verkehrsverbund Berlin-Brandenburg (VBB): Berlin-Brandenburg tariff and coordination authority integrating regional rail, S-Bahn, U-Bahn, tram, and bus. Comparable as a state-spanning Verkehrsverbund with its own digital ecosystem.
• Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Neckar (VRN): Cross-border Verkehrsverbund spanning parts of Baden-Württemberg, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Hesse. Closely comparable to DING as a multi-state German Verkehrsverbund with unified tariff and digital channels.
• Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Sieg (VRS): Transregional Verkehrsverbund covering the Cologne-Bonn region, with similar tariff integration, app, and coordination responsibilities across multiple Aufgabenträger.
• Münchner Verkehrs- und Tarifverbund (MVV): One of Germany's largest regional Verkehrsverbünde, coordinating public transport across the Munich metropolitan area. Closest functional analog to DING in terms of integrated tariff, app, and multimodal network role.

Others

• Stadtwerke Ulm/Neu-Ulm (SWU): Local utility and transport operator operating tram and bus in Ulm/Neu-Ulm, plus a ticket distribution partner for DING via the SWU-App. Comparable as an adjacent operator and channel partner within DING's own network.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/donau-iller-nahverkehrsverbund-gmbh
• Instagraminstagram.com/dingverbund

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Donau-Iller-Nahverkehrsverbund-GmbH (DING)