Five Reasons to Implement a Mobile Ticketing Solution for Transit

With the rise in app-based methods of transportation, ease and convenience have become paramount. This expectation is spilling over to public transit and, in light of the pandemic, convenient and contactless methods of payment are no longer a “nice to have”.

An increased demand for mobile ticketing

"Digital ticket transaction volumes will exceed pre-COVID levels by 2022; rising from 12.7 billion in 2020 to 32 billion in 2022. We anticipate that continued easing of global travel restrictions will drive increased demand for mobile ticketing in the rail, metro and bus sectors." Juniper Research

The health crisis has greatly accelerated numerous trends, in particular the rise of contactless technology. Consumers now favor methods of payment that do not require a physical contact. This is also the case for riders who do not want to queue at a ticket desk or use a vending machine.

Although cash will still remain a crucial part of the public transit experience, ensuring access for all, transit is the path towards contactless, ticketless, and potentially cashless. Not only is it the choice for many riders, it reduces boarding and processing times for agencies.

What is digital ticketing?

Digital ticketing (or mobile ticketing) gives riders the opportunity to purchase and validate their ticket with their mobile phone. Just like they do for their shopping or banking, mobile ticketing allows riders to purchase their tickets, whenever and wherever they want.

That’s only one of the benefits. There are many more for both the transit agencies and the riders.

What are the benefits of implementing digital ticketing solutions?

1. Meet riders’ expectations and create a greater engagement

Implementing a digital ticketing solution is a step towards the adoption of a more customer centric approach. It shows commitment to adapt to new consumer behaviors and purchasing habits including on demand payment options, ease of use and enhanced customer experience. It also brings a contactless solution which is growing in importance. Overall, riders benefit from a greater experience and their engagement improves.

2. Enable smarter mobility

Mobile ticketing helps agencies encourage new audiences to use public transport. By creating a seamless customer experience, agencies can attract those who may travel infrequently or have the option to choose other modes. With the opportunity to easily purchase a ticket, they are less inclined to use their cars or taxis, thus reducing urban traffic and pollution.

3. Improve efficiency

Mobile ticketing helps streamline operations, reduce costs, increase ridership and reduce passive fraud. It also gives access to real-time customer data and analytics allowing a greater understanding of users’ habits to drive future improvements.

4. Revolutionize your operations & improve riders’ perception of your brand

Implementing mobile ticketing can be a first step towards digitization of the network and a MaaS (Mobility as a Service) approach which integrates different modes of transport, diverse sales channels and varied methods of payment. Offering a wide range of options for your riders improves their engagement and reflects a positive image of a modern, customer-centric network.

5. Great flexibility for a phased approach

Going digital can be daunting but implementing a digital ticketing strategy can be easier than you think. You can adopt a phased approach to technology by breaking down the full system into manageable portions in line with your objectives and riders’ expectations.

Our digital ticketing solutions are at the center of our account based ticketing platform - Open ABT Platform. They are flexible and can adapt to all requirements - from small to larger cities – helping transit authorities to provide smarter mobility by simplifying the access to public transport while offering a best-in-class user experience.