Our key role in the UK’s first HCE ticketing deployment (based on the UK interoperable ITSO specification ) is leading the way in delivering world-class ticketing systems that will bring greater convenience to travellers, and cost savings to operators who can reduce their reliance on traditional ticketing media such as paper and plastic smart cards. So will this event be focused exclusively on this new era of ticketing?
Catering for all
Existing technical standards such as ITSO can deliver multi-modal, end-to-end smart ticketing, ensuring a consistent and efficient interface with infrastructure providers and operators. Mobile ticketing is not new, however HCE ticketing offers enhanced security for both the custiomer who holds that smart travel ticket on their phone, and for the operator who wants to offer more flexible ticketing choices but deliver that on existing infrastructure to avoid additional cost and avoid the risk of fraud. For any ticketing solution we also need to look at the range of demographics that use a transport network, and ensure that we cater for all – young, old, banked, un-banked – no audience can be forgotten.
Future-proofing is key
Today, smart ticketing has a crucial role and continues to be a key focus for many operators. In the UK there is a wealth of existing infrastructure which supports ITSO based ticketing and this infrastructure can support NFC smart phones. It’s important that operators can choose the best partner to help identify the best technical deployment and future-proof their ticketing network.
Interoperable ecosystems that can extend beyond cities to a nationwide network are important if the passenger is to be positioned at the heart of a ticketing system. Stephen McSpadden, Head of Solutions at Rambus Ecebs, will be presenting on behalf of the OPST Alliance tomorrow, a global industry open standards body that is enabling the wider transit community to establish open ticketing solutions for the first time. Join him at 11.15 am to learn more about why collaborative working to establish a flexible and accessible ecosystem is vital to ensure ticketing relevance in years to come.
Passengers require more
Consider what additional services might add-value for passengers. How can technology be maximised to ease passenger congestion on busy services. Avoid standing in queues at ticket machines to purchase or collect tickets. Issue automatic alerts if transport is delayed and offer alternative options. Make it easy to apply for and receive refunds. HCE based mobile ticketing gives new powers to the mobile device in our pocket. It is capable of offering so much more and does so using a secure form of ticketing in a world where security is becoming ever more important. Technology is available today to answer these questions, we must all put passengers first in identifying and brainstorming creative and engaging ways to add value to the communities that we serve.
Visiting the show?
To better understand how smart technology can support your ticketing strategy today and in the future, visit us at stand 16. We will be showcasing several live smart app demos including our HCE ticketing product:
- Smart Ticket Converter – Allows operators to convert paper tickets onto smart cards using only a smartphone or tablet. This app is vital to ensure backwards compatibility when transiting from paper to smart card ticketing system.
- Smart Ticket checker – Enables train operators and passengers to read smart cards and confirm funds remaining.
- Smart Ticket Inspector – Permits operators to check the validity of smart card tickets and download tickets to a smart card using either a smartphone or tablet.
