Wiesbaden shuts down ticket machines to avoid New Year’s firework damage

Fireworks have repeatedly damaged public infrastructure—now Wiesbaden is taking action. Will this preemptive shutdown save money and frustration for commuters?

, and Administrator

2025 December 30 . 9:17 AM

1 min read

In this picture we can see some men and women walking on the pedestrian path. Beside there is a... — In this picture we can see some men and women walking on the pedestrian path. Beside there is a silver bus moving on the road. Behind there is a brown building with glass windows. On the left corner we can see a white and green banner board.

Wiesbaden shuts down ticket machines to avoid New Year’s firework damage

Wiesbaden’s ticket machines will be switched off over New Year’s to avoid firework damage. The shutdown follows concerns about vandalism during celebrations. Machines in the city centre and outer districts will close at different times.

The decision comes from ESWE Verkehr, the city’s transport operator. They aim to protect the machines from fireworks, which often cause costly repairs. In past years, similar damage has led to lengthy maintenance outages.

Machines in the city centre will stop working on December 31, 2025, and January 1, 2026. Those in outer districts will close even earlier—from December 30, 2025. The move is purely precautionary, with no other disruptions expected.

Passengers are advised to buy tickets in advance or use mobile options during the maintenance shutdown. ESWE has not announced any alternative arrangements for on-the-spot purchases.

The temporary closure affects all ticket machines across Wiesbaden’s transport network. Normal service will resume once the New Year celebrations end. The measure is part of ongoing efforts to reduce firework-related damage to public infrastructure.