Scheidt & Bachmann (S&B), a leading innovator in fare collection systems and transportation technology, has developed a new kind of paper ticket that delivers benefits to train operating companies, to passengers and for the environment.
PRT – or paper roll ticketing – is an efficient and sustainable alternative to the traditional, orange-bordered magnetic stripe card tickets, using fully recyclable lightweight paper. Now, following a highly successful trial, S&B customer, Great Anglia, has announced that the new PRT solution will be rolled out to a further 194 more ticket vending machines (TVMs) across its estate.
The trial results were excellent, in terms of use, performance, and cost-effectiveness. Across the Greater Anglia network, the number of tickets printed on PRT increased by 58% in just 6 months, with traditional orange stock tickets dropping to just 34%. Importantly, the machines boasted zero printer failures through the entire trial, demonstrating superior reliability versus traditional ticket printing.
The trial – part of a wider RDG (Rail Delivery Group) funded project – illustrates the positive environmental impact the switch to PRT could have if introduced to all TVMs, supporting the industry to become more eco-friendly.
S&B worked with Nagels – a specialist in the manufacturing and supply of machine issue tickets in transport – to develop the new tickets. They are printed on fully recyclable paper, which is lightweight yet robust enough to be handled, and printed with a barcode that can then be scanned rather than inserted at ticket gates – as smartcards, e-tickets and mobile tickets already can.
S&B’s important ticketing innovation, which supports the industry-wide drive towards digital transformation and lowering operational costs, is expected to prove popular with train operating companies.
“The benefits go beyond cost reduction, although that is, of course, important,” explains S&B UK MD, Ken Cameron. “Paper rolls cost less overall, but they also offer increased capacity – they print many more tickets before they run out, so downtime for refills is minimised. The PRT printers also deliver high performance and reliability, as with fewer moving parts, they require less maintenance. The fact that the PRT solution also aligns with our customers’ sustainability goals, as they use less, and recyclable, paper, is a significant benefit.”
Greater Anglia undertook the trial to test if it was feasible to make new tickets available via TVMs across its network, as PRT enables convenient and fast methods of passing through ticket gates, as well as offering operational cost savings to the business.
Malcom Cotter, Greater Anglia’s Head of Retail Systems, said: “Customer satisfaction is always our priority, and the introduction of digitally scannable (paper) tickets supports that. With 90% greater ticket stock capacity per roll, the TVMs need refilling less frequently, plus this is a quick and easy process. The PRT printers were also fault-free during the trial. All of this means an enhanced customer experience at the TVM, which makes the PRT solution a big win from my point of view.”
Mr Cotter complimented S&B on the innovative solution, adding that he particularly liked the numbered barcodes on the reverse of the tickets, so the TVM knows exactly when paper rolls need replacing thus reducing wastage. “It is great to work with an innovative ticketing partner like S&B and we were pleased to take part in the trial. It reflects its success that we are now extending the PRT solution to the rest of our TVMs.”
S&B’s UK MD, Ken Cameron, adds: “A physical ticket option is still important to ensure everyone who wishes to travel can do so, even if they don’t have a smartphone. We’ve taken the lead in developing a more environmentally friendly and efficient solution for our customers and their passengers.”
PRT is available on all new S&B TVMs as well as being an upgrade option for existing customers.
