Thales leads the world in multimodal, multi-operator ticketing, with a portfolio that includes implementations in more than 100 cities and regions
Thanks to multimodal and multi-operator ticketing, passengers can travel across metropolitan areas – in some cases, regions or entire countries – using a single smartcard to pay for their journeys. Today’s multi-operator systems incorporate everything from metros, trams, trains and buses, to ferries and car parks.
E-ticketing removes the barriers between different transport modes and different transport operators. That makes public transport easier to use and plays a key part in improving passenger satisfaction with seamless journeys. It also helps public transport operators to build market share and cuts car dependency.
Global leadership
Thales’ number-one position in contactless electronic ticketing is built on its proven ability to deliver large and complex systems, which include nationwide programmes such as those in Denmark and the Netherlands. The Dutch solution, the world’s first e-ticketing programme for a whole country, brings together nine public transport operators.
“Our expertise allows us to provide solutions in highly complex situations where there are several operators or authorities wanting to work together. We work with all the stakeholders to define business rules so we can implement exactly what they need” says Gérard Najman, Business Development Director, Revenue Collection Systems, Thales.
With systems processing more than 100 million transactions every day around the world, Thales’ ability to deliver multimodal, multi-operator fare collection solutions is unrivalled. Recent contract wins include an integrated ticketing solution for the Auckland region in New Zealand, a system with the potential to be the core of a nationwide ticketing policy.
The power to deliver
Thales’ know-how embraces everything from central processing systems to front-end equipment. It’s backed by more than 40 years’ expertise in ticketing and supported by more than 6,000 transport specialists dedicated to the development and deployment of solutions.
Thales’ leadership skills also set it apart from the competition. Thales builds strong, collaborative relationships with customers and stakeholders, including transport operators, local authorities and operating syndicates. And as a prime contractor, Thales deploys its management expertise to build strong, delivery-focused consortia.
Total e-ticketing solutions
Thales’ back-office IT solutions are at the heart of today’s contactless ticketing implementations, and include central processing and revenue clearing systems. Critically, these can be scaled-up easily, allowing new operators to opt-in to existing schemes with minimum fuss.
“Getting the architecture right is of critical importance” emphasises Mr. Najman. “How is data to be managed? Who has access? Upon what business rules is revenue to be apportioned? Providing architecture to reflect different needs is part of our know-how.”
Systems are modular and can be scaled to meet the needs of any operator, any mode of transport, any fare media and any fare structure, no matter how complex. And like all Thales’ solutions, e-ticketing is underpinned by a commitment to security, with PKI (public key infrastructure) and encryption to protect data and assets – an important consideration in today’s multi-stakeholder systems.
Standards and open architecture
Thales also offers front-end equipment, including onboard and in-station products for sales, validation and control. All IT systems and hardware is based on standards and open architecture. That means there’s no supplier tie-in, freeing up operators to source system components from third parties.
Thales has the ability to integrate any fare media, from contactless smartcards such as Mifare DESFire, Calypso and Sony FeliCa, to NFC via mobile devices, contactless USB keys and contactless credit or debit cards.
“We are working with Visa and MasterCard on approaches to public transportation in terms of managing data on cards” says Mr. Najman. “And we have already developed a contactless reader which is capable of processing EMV cards – Europay, MasterCard and Visa.”
Critically, Thales can manage the co-existence of different types of electronic fare media. It can also integrate legacy systems, such as existing magnetic ticketing, creating hybrid systems to ease the transition to contactless technology.
Customer perspective
The trend towards large multi-operator systems is now well established. It’s also clear that delivering systems of this sort takes special skills – and commitment. Jeroen Kok was chief executive of Trans Link Systems (TLS) from the start of the Dutch nationwide e-ticketing programme, and he sums up Thales’ approach to the project.
"What I think distinguishes Thales is that they don’t walk away. Whatever happens, whatever problem there is, they try to solve it” says Mr. Kok. “And I think that is an attitude you need, because these projects always take longer and come up with new things that you never anticipated."
Operator benefits
Contactless electronic ticketing benefits operators in a number of ways. It reduces the costs associated with managing conventional fare media and provides operators with the freedom to sell ticketing through multiple channels, including vending machines, online and via third-party vendors.
Revenue apportionment is fairer, because back office systems log exactly where and when cards have been used – critical in multi-operator schemes. Settlement times are reduced, so operators get revenues more quickly. In addition, the solution provides detailed information on journey patterns – invaluable when planning new fare products or infrastructure.
Thales also has expertise in managing data held on fare media. This makes it possible to include multiple applications on a single card, and multiple fare products such as a season ticket and an electronic purse so the passenger benefits from the best fare while travelling. The same technology makes it possible to manage complex interdependencies, for example, conditional discounting between different modes of transport and operators.