What are the different ticketing methods for trains?

The ticketing methods for trains are evolving from in-person and online paper ticket sales to include mobile ticketing, barcode scanning, and other technology-based ticketing options. This evolution is geared at reducing costs, improving customer service, and increasing ridership within the public transit industry.

A Ripe Market

According to Statista, the number of smartphone users in the United States was more than 222 million in 2017, up from 122 million just five years earlier. As a result, train companies are finding mobile ticketing as an excellent way to reach this massive market. In fact, the Global Mobile Ticketing Market report expects this worldwide market to grow at a compound annual growth rate of more than 20 percent through 2020.

In addition, technologies such as online ticketing and automatic kiosks are more commonplace, as customers feel more confident in purchasing tickets without human interaction. As online markets are expanding consumer access to tickets, fleet managers should consider using other forms of technology to keep track of their assets and inventory.

Key Benefits to Customers

The biggest benefit of technology-based ticketing for the customer is the ability to book tickets within nearly any timeframe—from months ahead of time to five minutes before traveling. For example, train tickets in India can now be booked 120 days ahead of time or within five minutes of travel through vending machines.

Another benefit that comes with electronic ticketing is the ability to pay with multiple means. Automatic kiosks, online payment, and mobile ticketing allow purchases using cash, credit, debit, and even foreign-based cards.

Riders may be able to take advantage of discounts and point-to-point ticketing more easily with technology-based ticketing. Although rail passes make sense for frequent travelers, purchasing tickets that help an infrequent traveler get to a final destination could sometimes be tricky and complicated. With easy-to-use websites and e-commerce technology, this process is much simpler and more efficient.

Mobile Ticketing on the Rise

According to Masabi, 87 percent of United States transit agencies have or will implement mobile ticketing.

Apps including Genfare and Infeon allow passengers to turn easily purchase tickets on their smartphone, which then creates a readable barcode that becomes the actual ticket. Saved personal and payment information can make this process fast and efficient for both the consumer and transit company.