Smart ticketing has been successfully implemented across the GTR network. This innovative solution has revolutionized the way passengers purchase and use tickets, providing them with a seamless and convenient travel experience. With smart ticketing, passengers can now easily purchase and manage their tickets through various digital platforms, such as mobile apps or online portals. This eliminates the need for physical tickets and ensures a more efficient and streamlined ticketing process. Additionally, smart ticketing offers passengers the flexibility to choose from a wide range of ticket options, including daily, weekly, or monthly passes, as well as discounted fares for specific demographics. The introduction of smart ticketing on the GTR network has not only improved the overall customer experience but also increased efficiency and reduced operational costs for the transportation provider. As a result, passengers can now enjoy a more convenient and hassle-free journey, while GTR continues to enhance its services through the implementation of innovative technologies.
Smart ticketing has become a convenient option for customers traveling on Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), as it allows them to bypass ticket queues. By using pre-purchased smartphone eTickets, rail passengers can now skip the hassle of waiting in line at stations across the extensive 11-county GTR network.
Implementation of Smart Ticketing
E-tickets are available for various types of tickets, including advanced singles, peak and off-peak single tickets, and peak and off-peak day returns. These eTickets can be used between any stations equipped with barcode readers on the ticket gates.
To facilitate this new system, barcode readers have been installed at every single ticket gate in the 98 stations served by Gatwick Express, Great Northern, Southern, and Thameslink. This amounts to a total of 1,420 readers on 710 ticket gates. Passengers can simply scan their eTickets, which can be stored on their smartphones or printed out from an email, to gain entry.
Growing Popularity of Smart Ticketing
The popularity of smart ticketing has been on the rise, leading to a decline in the use of traditional paper tickets. Nationally, the percentage of passengers purchasing barcode eTickets has more than doubled in the past four years, increasing from 20% to 49%. In contrast, the percentage of passengers buying paper tickets has more than halved, dropping from 63% to 28%. The convenience and ease of purchasing eTickets instantly through the train firms' OnTrack app or websites, without any booking fee, have contributed to their popularity. These eTickets are particularly suitable for advanced singles, peak and off-peak singles, and peak and off-peak day return tickets.
Jenny Saunders, the Customer Services Director at GTR, expressed her enthusiasm for this new development. She stated, "Getting your ticket to ride with Gatwick Express, Great Northern, Southern, and Thameslink has just become so much easier." Saunders emphasized that barcode eTickets are quick to purchase online and convenient to use. With their availability at every ticket gate across the vast GTR network, these eTickets are set to simplify everyone's journey.
Summary
The introduction of smart ticketing on GTR has revolutionized the ticketing experience for rail passengers. With the ability to purchase and use eTickets through smartphones or printed copies, travelers can now save time by avoiding ticket queues. The increasing popularity of barcode eTickets reflects their convenience and ease of purchase. As GTR continues to enhance its services, passengers can look forward to a smoother and more efficient travel experience.
(This article is sourced from globalrailwayreview.net and curated by Thetransporteronline24)
