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Rail smartcard technology unveiled
A smartcard system which is expected to account for up to half of rail ticket sales by 2012 is being unveiled today, reducing the need for paper tickets.
Online rail retailer TheTrainline is developing Trainline Smart using ITSO technology, a Government defined standard for nationally accepted smart card ticketing in the UK.
The is being introduced in stages across all UK rail and bus journeys and will eventually be used as an upgrade to the London Underground Oyster smart ticketing system.
The Trainline Smart functionality can be added to a corporate charge card or security pass.
Expected to be piloted later this year, rail passengers using Trainline Smart will be able to travel to and from all UK stations that accept smart ticketing.
As all new rail franchises are now required by Government to adopt ITSO smartcard technology, UK rail travel will be achievable via smart card starting from 2009, according to TheTrainline.
Tickets can be purchased via the company’s website or via a mobile phone and then downloaded onto the smart card either at stations or via a smartcard reader/writer in the office or at home.
The ticket is then validated in the normal way by smart-enabled ticket gates or by onboard train managers using a handheld reader.
Smart ticketing has the potential to introduce more flexible pricing, with passengers being encouraged to use off-peak trains, the company claims…
It should also increase business travel policy adherence as Trainline Smart’s ease of booking and fulfilment will reduce purchases from stations, particularly repeat purchases, which can be automated.
TheTrainline also plans to adapt its own kiosks so rail passengers can top-up their smart cards by uploading tickets via a smart reader.
Sales and distribution director Adrian Watts claimed: “This is a massive step towards integrated national smart ticketing and we are very excited to be demonstrating the potential at the Travel Technology Show 2008.
“Not only will Trainline Smart remove the need for paper tickets, but as train operating companies begin to install smart enabled readers, only one card will be needed when travelling UK wide by rail, bus and London Underground.
“We expect more than 50% of all TheTrainline ticketing to be via ‘Smart’ by the 2012 London Olympics.”
by Phil Davies
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