Digital ticketing: the challenges and opportunities facing PTOs and PTAs

Transport ticketing has rapidly evolved in the digital age. Today, passengers can use a smartcard or even their phone as their ticket, utilizing contactless and Near Field Communication (NFC) functionality to tap-and-go. This proliferation of digital ticketing has only been further accelerated over the last 18 months. This pandemic has presented Public Transport Operators (PTOs) and Public Transport Authorities (PTAs) with an urgent need for hygienic contactless solutions. As passenger numbers slowly begin to return, the ecosystem is presented with a unique opportunity to advance urban mobility and move towards a Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) model. But this also has many challenges.

The urban mobility ecosystem is seeing a rising demand for interoperable MaaS solutions that provide end-to-end transportation on a single ticket. In part, this is being achieved by changing the focal point of urban mobility from the station to the passenger themselves. This consumer-centric approach allows PTOs and PTAs to reconfigure their sales and distribution channels to meet the growing demand for digital solutions. Mobility providers can achieve this by integrating Host Card Emulation (HCE) and NFC technologies into their ticketing solutions.

More technologically literate passengers already know about digital wallets and contactless payments. Passengers no longer require mode-specific travel cards, everything is instead accessible on one device. They must offer customers a range of options to make their payment, as everyone will not be having a bank account. Open standards can offer a pathway to truly realizing seamless transport ticketing. With open standards, PTOs and PTAs remain in control of their ticketing network as the supply chain remains open to multiple solution providers. PTOs and PTAs will need to continue evolving with future technological developments.

Fime’s global expertise can help demystify and simplify ABT deployment. With over 20+ years of experience ensuring the efficient and successful implementation of card and mobile transaction services. Fime is well-equipped and experienced in supporting the transport market in delivering the next generation of transit ticketing solutions in a complex market.