What are the Benefits of Mobile Ticketing?

MOBILE TICKETING

Mobile ticketing is no longer the transit solution of the future—it’s today’s market demand. The ability to purchase tickets from a smartphone is a must-have for riders who increasingly expect technology, convenience, and independence as part of their everyday consumerism. In order to compete with the rise of ride-hailing apps and ride-sharing programs, transit agencies must position themselves as a modern solution for modern riders.

Unmatched convenience

There is simply no more convenient way to purchase tickets than a mobile ticketing app. Riders can purchase tickets at any time, from anywhere in the world. There is no need to wait in line, fumble for cash at the farebox, or keep track of reusable cards.

Multi-modal trip planning

Riders love mobile ticketing apps that integrate with Google Trip Planner, which helps plan transit in between route coverage areas. For example, a rider can learn about nearby car rentals, bicycle routes, walking shortcuts, or other last-mile options.

Self-managed account

Riders can now manage their own accounts completely independently. This includes not only one-time ticket purchases but monthly or other period passes with auto-replenishments. Customers can save or change their payment information for faster check-out. New riders can purchase tickets without an account using a guest check-out option that quickly introduces the mobile ticketing process.

Reporting

Mobile ticketing apps can provide real-time data on route usage that helps make last-minute adjustments as well as long-term plans for route improvements. Reporting may also indicate that mobile ticketing usage is increasing with specific advertising campaigns or that riders in some areas may need more education on the app’s existence.

Reduced Boarding Time

Scanning mobile tickets is significantly faster than processing cash payments with onboard fareboxes. This helps speed boarding time while keeping routes closer to schedule.

Simple, Instant Fare Management

Transit agencies can quickly and easily update fare costs and types, which is instantly reflected within the mobile ticketing app. Agencies can also offer limited time promo codes and other discount groups or temporarily reduced rates for holidays or special events.

Agency Cost Savings

The elimination of physical media helps reduce inventory costs for transit agencies. Not only do agencies need to purchase and store fewer physical fare media, but they also may require fewer staff to serve customers, fewer vending machines, and other areas of reduced maintenance costs. Agencies may also save by not having to handle as many, if any, cash fares. Processing and accounting cash fares can be a significant labor cost.

Affordably Scalable

Increasing sales with mobile ticketing does not increase overall costs like other ticketing solutions, which may require more staff or more machines.

On-the-Fly Route Planning

Thanks to the real-time data, transit agencies can respond immediately to urgent transit needs. For instance, planning routes around emergency maintenance, pushing notifications to riders about schedule delays, and adding routes for special events. Riders appreciate the up-to-date information to better plan how to use their dwell time.

Happier Riders and Increased Revenue

All of these benefits create happier riders who do not feel the need to seek alternatives to public transit. Not only will these riders stay with the transit system, but they help spread the word of the ease and convenience of mobile ticketing to others. This expanded loyalty and awareness increases revenue for public transit systems while keeping operational costs lower.

What are the Benefits of Mobile Ticketing?

MOBILE TICKETING

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