Difference between revisions of "Mobile ticketing"

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Electronic and Barcode Ticketing
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[[File:Opticalfaregate.jpg|300px|thumb|right|Barcode-based mobile ticket, faregate with scanner.]]
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Electronic ticketing and barcode technologies store a customer’s ticket in a software application. With barcode technology, the ticket can be stored as a 2-dimensional barcode, which fare inspectors electronically scan at the beginning of a journey. With electronic ticketing (also known as “flash pass” or “visual verification” ticketing), the customer activates the ticket at the beginning of their journey, prompting a countdown or a change of color (for a limited time frame): A fare inspector can quickly determine a ticket’s validity from these markers by means of visual inspection. The former type of ticketing is used for the New Jersey Transit’s mobile ticketing application while the latter category is used for ticketing on the Los Angeles Department of Transportation’s bus services and on the San Diego’s Metropolitan Transit System. Mobile ticketing applications developed by Masabi for railway operators in Great Britain include both visual verification and barcode components.  
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==Introduction==
 +
Fare payment systems represent a potential barrier for customers considering transit. Cash fares generally require customers to have exact change. Regional smart card systems are powerful, but they still require customers to acquire a physical card that may not be conveniently available. These barriers are perhaps more acute for visitors to a region, who may not be familiar with local transit services and the payment methods accepted.  
  
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Both visual verification and barcode systems cost less to implement than traditional card-based fare validation systems,because they involve little to no hardware installation. Although barcode validation traditionally required specialized machinery, mobile validation applications developed by Masabi and Moovel allow fare inspectors (on services that rely on proof-of-payment inspection) to validate barcodes with smart phones. Masabi’s “Inspect Validator” and “Inspect Gateline” products also allow for attachment of barcode validators to electronic bus fareboxes and transit station turnstiles, with the latter product in use at certain railway stations in Great Britain. Moreover, both systems can improve the rate of fare processing and collection over cash or paper ticket payment. However, limited wireless connectivity and poor lighting can impede processing of barcodes, delaying boarding on high volume transit routes. Visual verification tickets also provide agencies with limited data on passenger boarding compared to other forms of mobile payment.  
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Offering mobile ticketing can help reduce these barriers, especially as we seek to enable seamless, integrated travel both within and across regions. Leveraging the smartphones most people already carry, mobile ticketing technologies offer a convenient method of fare payment to users at a modest cost to transit agencies.
  
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Near Field Communication (NFC)
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==Implementing Mobile Ticketing==
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Near Field Communication (NFC) is a technology that stores financial data on a secure microprocessor chip (or “secure element”) embedded in certain smart phone models. The chip can transmit the data through radio waves to communicate with any device that can read Contactless smart cards that meet ISO standard 14443, as well as with other NFC-enabled mobile devices. Payment typically requires the download of a designated payment application like AndroidPay or ApplePay, and the processing of payments relies on an interchange of data between the mobile payment application, secure microprocessor, transaction processor (the fare validator) and application acceptor (the “merchant,” in this case, the transit agency). Riders can tap their phones to an NFC-enabled kiosk to download a fare product onto a particular payment application, then tap the phone directly to a ISO 14443-standard fare validator to “pay” the ticket from the application (as with a smart card). The phone-to-phone transfer of data permitted by NFC technology also allows for NFC-enabled phones to validate fares stored in the Secure Element of other NFC phones in situations (like on city busses) where no ISO 14443-standard validators are available. One drawback to Near Field Communication is its limited availability: As recently as January 2016, only 30% of android phones hosted the technology. However, mobile ticketing platforms can incorporate Near Field Communication (NFC) alongside other technologies . Bytemark’s mobile ticketing application can simultaneously support Barcode, Visual Verification (i.e. electronic) and Near Field Communication tickets. Bytemark’s onboard ticket validators can inspect both barcodes and contactless smart cards (presumably including NFC-enabled phones), as does Moovel’s mobile Inspector App. Masabi’s product description for the Inspect Validator and Inspect Gateline products (for barcode tickets) emphasizes their easy configurability with “EMV, NFC and Bluetooth Low-energy technologies.”
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===Comparison of Technologies===
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====Barcode====
 +
Barcode mobile ticketing systems display the ticket as a 2-dimensional barcode, which can be scanned by fare inspectors or at faregates. New Jersey Transit's mobile ticketing platform uses this technology<ref name=":8">Florida Department of Transportation (2016). “Assessment of Mobile Fare Payment Technology for Future Deployment in Florida.” [http://www.fdot.gov/transit/Pages/FinalReportMobileFarePayment20160331.pdf]</ref>. Although barcode validation traditionally required specialized machinery, mobile validation applications developed by Masabi<ref>“Inspect Validation Suite.” Masabi.com. [http://www.masabi.com/inspect-validation-suite/]</ref> and moovel<ref>North American Products.” Moovel. [https://www.moovel-transit.com/en/na]</ref> allow validation using smartphones. Barcode validators can also be attached to electronic bus fareboxes and transit station turnstiles<ref name=":1" />. Limited wireless connectivity and poor lighting can impede processing of barcodes, delaying boarding on high volume transit routes<ref name=":8" />.
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====Flash Pass/Visual Verification====
 +
[[File:Flashpass.png|300px|thumb|right|Example of a flash pass mobile ticket.]]
 +
Flash pass, or visual verification, tickets are activated by the customer when beginning a trip and displayed to the fare inspector. One of the simplest mobile ticketing technologies, they are currently used by the Los Angeles Department of Transportation, San Francisco Muni, and several other agencies. One drawback is that flash passes provide agencies with limited data on passenger boarding compared to other forms of mobile payment<ref name=":8" />.
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====Near Field Communication====
 +
Near Field Communication (NFC) is a technology that stores financial data on a secure microprocessor chip (or “secure element”) embedded in certain smart phone models<ref name=":11">Smart Card Alliance Transportation Council. “Near Field Communication (NFC) and Transit: Applications, Technology and Implementation Considerations.” February 2012. [https://www.securetechalliance.org/resources/pdf/NFC_and_Transit_WP_20120201.pdf]</ref>. The chip transmits data at short range using radio waves,<ref>Gordon, Scott Adam. “What is NFC and how does it work on an Android?” AndroidPit.com. [https://www.androidpit.com/what-is-nfc]</ref> communicating with devices that read smart cards meeting ISO standard 14443<ref name=":11" />, as well as with other NFC-enabled mobile devices<ref name=":12">Leal, Joao Pedro Santos Reis. Ticket Validation in Public Transportation Using the Smartphone. June 2015. https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/5a3f/addb00a4731470eb0401b8b531d57e02fffc.pdf]</ref>. Payment typically requires a designated payment application like Android Pay or Apple Pay, and the processing of payments relies on an interchange of data between the mobile payment application, secure microprocessor, transaction processor (the fare validator) and application acceptor (the “merchant,” in this case, the transit agency)<ref name=":11" />. Riders can tap their phones to an NFC-enabled kiosk to download a fare product onto a particular payment application, then tap the phone directly to a ISO 14443-standard fare validator to “pay” the ticket from the application (as with a smart card)<ref name=":11" />. The phone-to-phone transfer of data permitted by NFC technology also allows for NFC-enabled phones to validate fares stored in the Secure Element of other NFC phones in situations (like on city buses) where no ISO 14443-standard validators are available<ref name=":12" />.  
  
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Bluetooth Low-Energy
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NFC can also be implemented as an open system, accepting payments directly from smartphones or contactless bank cards at faregates<ref name=":11" />. This configuration offers a more seamless experience for riders, since they can use payment methods they already have without visiting a specialized kiosk or purchasing a particular transit fare product. In use in cities like London and Sydney, an open NFC system is also coming to New York City<ref name=omny>Caroline Spivak. "A guide to OMNY, the MTA’s new MetroCard-replacing fare system" November 13 2019. [https://ny.curbed.com/2019/5/22/18617849/nyc-subway-mta-omny-contactless-payment-system]</ref>.
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The third mobile payment method involves the use of low-energy Bluetooth technology. Bluetooth low-energy “beacons”, powered by USB or battery, emit low-power wireless signals that can detect and communicate with any smartphone equipped with the technology that comes within a certain distance of the beacon. Bluetooth Low-energy utilizes less power than traditional bluetooth technology, allowing it to operate continuously. Transit agencies could equip the entrances to their vehicles with Bluetooth Low-energy beacons programmed to “read” value on the mobile accounts of oncoming passengers, deducting a fare without requiring passengers to remove their phones.  
 
  
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Bluetooth Low-energy technology appears to be more widespread than Near Field Communication, available on all apple operating systems of iOS 7 or higher and on Android operating systems more advanced than Android 4.3. However, no deployments of the technology for transit payment have been conducted to date. However, last June, Bytetoken (the UK division of Bytemark) tested a “KeyPass” system which utilized Bluetooth Low-Energy beacons, in conjunction with a 3-D camera monitor, to validate mobile tickets on the phones of boarding passengers: Once beacons detected a valid mobile ticket, and relayed the information to a back-office server, the server would instruct the transit fare gates to open. The KeyPass system used the 3-D camera to track passengers’ movement and detect their physical characteristics, allowing the system to associate mobile tickets with specific passengers and open the fare gates for these passengers for a length of time sufficient to enable their entry.  
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====Bluetooth Low-Energy====
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The third mobile payment method involves the use of low-energy Bluetooth technology. Bluetooth low-energy “beacons”, powered by USB or battery, emit low-power wireless signals<ref>Bluetooth. “How it works.” [https://www.bluetooth.com/what-is-bluetooth-technology/how-it-works]</ref> that can detect and communicate with any smartphone equipped with the technology that comes within a certain distance of the beacon. Bluetooth Low-energy utilizes less power than traditional bluetooth technology, allowing it to operate continuously<ref name=":8" />. Transit agencies could equip the entrances to their vehicles with Bluetooth Low-energy beacons programmed to “read” value on the mobile accounts of oncoming passengers, deducting a fare without requiring passengers to remove their phones<ref name=":8" />.  
  
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SMS-Ticketing
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Bluetooth Low-energy technology appears to be more widespread than Near Field Communication, available on all apple operating systems of iOS 7 or higher and on Android operating systems more advanced than Android 4.3<ref>Bluetooth Low Energy: Introduction. [https://learn.adafruit.com/introduction-to-bluetooth-low-energy/introduction]</ref>. Although no large-scale deployments of the technology for transit payment have been conducted to date<ref name=":12" />, pilot programs have demonstrated the technology's feasibility.  
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A final form of mobile ticketing makes use of the phone’s Short Message Service (SMS) function. Riders can send a pre-determined code or phrase (representing a certain transit fare type) as a text message to a designated number, prompting a response showing the ticket fare (or zone) and travel details, often including an identification code. Rather than billing the customer directly, the transit agency charges the customer’s mobile service provider, which then passes on the fare cost to the customer as part of their messaging fees. Such a form of payment can be used for single ride tickets on several public transit systems in northern Europe, including in Stockholm, Helsinki and Milan. One of the primary products for this type of ticketing is Gemalto’s Netsize. One variation on SMS technology, uses Multi-media Messaging to send passengers a two dimensional barcode after they text their ticket request. This form of ticketing is employed by the municipal transit agency in Malaga Spain. Token Transit, a North American company whose mobile platform is used by several California transit agencies (including Kern County Transit, Omnitrans and Santa Monica Big Blue Bus)  has a ticketing window on their website that allows riders to pay for transit passes online and send the pass to their phone via SMS message.  
 
  
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Basic SMS-based ticketing systems work with any mobile device (not just smartphones) and do not require possession of a credit card. The simplicity and speed of the purchasing process (with no upfront billing required) may make this form of payment more amenable to customers than a mobile application for which one has to register. Unfortunately, current deployments of SMS ticketing in Stockholm, Helsinki and Denmark can only be used for purchases of single fares (as opposed to passes), because of the messages’ limited functionality. The billing of mobile companies, rather than individuals, impedes employer-based fare payment and excludes riders who do not subscribe to an approved service provider. The technology’s use of mobile billing also requires transit agencies to enter into partnerships with mobile providers. Finally, basic SMS tickets lack secure encryption. SMS ticketing that involves use of a barcode ticket is more secure, but requires possession of a smartphone.
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In 2017, Bytetoken (the UK division of Bytemark) tested a “KeyPass” system which utilized Bluetooth Low-Energy as well as cameras to create a new faregate that may be suited for mobility impaired or frequent travelers. The KeyPass system used a 3-D camera to track passengers’ movement and detect their physical characteristics, allowing the system to associate mobile tickets with specific passengers and open the fare gates for these passengers long enough to enable their entry <ref name = pilot>Railway Gazette UK. “Bluetooth-enabled ticket gates demonstrated.” [http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/bluetooth-enabled-ticket-gates-demonstrated.html]</ref>.
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====SMS-based====
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A final form of mobile ticketing makes use of the phone’s Short Message Service (SMS) function. Riders can send a pre-determined code or phrase (representing a certain transit fare type) as a text message to a designated number, prompting a response showing the ticket fare (or zone) and travel details, often including an identification code. Rather than billing the customer directly, the transit agency charges the customer’s mobile service provider, which then passes on the fare cost to the customer as part of their messaging fees<ref name=":15" />.
 +
 
 +
One variation on SMS technology uses Multi-media Messaging to send passengers a two dimensional barcode after they text their ticket request<ref>World Bank. "SMS or barcode on Smartphone." [https://www.ssatp.org/sites/ssatp/files/publications/Toolkits/ITS%20Toolkit%20content/its-technologies/electronic-fare-collection/sms-or-bar-code-on-smart-phone.html]</ref>. Token Transit, a North American company whose mobile platform is used by several California transit agencies (including Kern County Transit, Omnitrans and Santa Monica Big Blue Bus)  has a ticketing window on their website that allows riders to pay for transit passes online and send the pass to their phone via SMS message<ref name=":9" />.
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 +
Basic SMS-based ticketing systems work with any mobile device (not just smartphones) and do not require possession of a credit card. The simplicity and speed of the purchasing process (with no upfront billing required) may make this form of payment more amenable to customers than a mobile application for which one has to register<ref name=":15">Juntunen A., Luukkainen, S., & Tuunainen, V. K. (2010, June). Deploying NFC technology for mobile ticketing services–identification of critical business model issues. In Mobile Business and 2010 Ninth Global Mobility Roundtable (ICMB-GMR), 2010 Ninth International Conference on (pp. 82-90). IEEE. [http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/5494785/#full-text-section]</ref>. Unfortunately, past deployments of SMS ticketing in Stockholm, Helsinki and Denmark<ref>Fynbus. "Enkeltrejser" (Translation: Single Tickets). [https://www.fynbus.dk/enkeltrejser]</ref> could only be used for purchases of single fares (as opposed to passes), because of the messages’ limited functionality. The billing of mobile companies, rather than individuals, impedes employer-based fare payment and excludes riders who do not subscribe to an approved service provider<ref name=":15" />. The technology’s use of mobile billing also requires transit agencies to enter into partnerships with mobile providers<ref>Polite (Policy Learning in Information Technologies for Transportation Enhancement). “Analysis and Reporting of Best Practices.” [https://www.tsi.lv/sites/default/files/editor/science/Research_reports/polite_activity_3_2b_v0_23.pdf]</ref>. Finally, basic SMS tickets lack secure encryption<ref>Ferreira, Galvo Dias and Cunha. “Design and Evaluation of a Mobile Payment System for Public Transport: The MobiPag Prototype.” 2014.[https://www.thinkmind.org/download.php?articleid=mobility_2014_3_50_70071]</ref>. SMS ticketing that involves use of a barcode ticket is more secure, but requires possession of a smartphone.
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Possibly due to these drawbacks as well as the increased prevalence of smartphones, cities such as Helsinki and Stockholm have recently withdrawn their SMS ticketing platforms<ref>“Fares and Tickets.” SL. [http://sl.se/en/fares--tickets/]</ref><ref name=":13">Helsingin Sendun Liikinne. “Tickets and Fares: SMS Ticket.” HSL/HRT.  [https://www.hsl.fi/en/tickets-and-fares/sms-ticket]</ref>.
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 +
=== Overview of Mobile Ticketing Platforms ===
 +
The following table lists some of the major companies involved in the mobile ticketing industry, with information on their platforms and the technologies and uses these platforms support.
 +
{| class="wikitable"
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!Company
 +
!Product name
 +
!Components
 +
!Supported technologies
 +
!Validation Technologies
 +
!Auxiliary Functions
 +
!Transit Systems
 +
|-
 +
|Bytemark<ref>Bytemark. [https://www.bytemark.co]</ref>
 +
|
 +
|
 +
* Mobile Ticket application
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* Merchant Back Office
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* Validators
 +
|
 +
* Visual Verification
 +
* QR-code
 +
* NFC
 +
|
 +
* Merchant Mobile app (Smartphone-based)
 +
* Hardware validators (stand-alone)
 +
|
 +
* Trip planning
 +
* Scheduling/Route Maps
 +
* Advisory Alerts
 +
|
 +
* New York Waterway<ref>Gilkyson, Blair. NYC Ferry Launches New Midtown to Astoria Route. 2017. [https://www.bytemark.co/blog/news/2017/08/29/nyc-ferry-launches-new-astoria-route]</ref>.
 +
* Toronto Transit commission<ref>Mobile Payments Today. "Mobile Ticketing Comes to Toronto's Transit System. Jul 13, 2015. [https://www.mobilepaymentstoday.com/news/mobile-ticketing-comes-to-torontos-transit-system/]</ref>
 +
|-
 +
|Masabi
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|JustRide<ref>Masabi. JustRide Platform. [http://www.masabi.com/justride-mobile-ticketing/]</ref>
 +
|
 +
* mTicketing app
 +
* Hub (cloud-based back office)
 +
* Inspect Validation Suite
 +
|
 +
* Visual Verification<ref name=":0">Masabi. "JustRide mTicketing App." [http://www.masabi.com/justride-app/]</ref>
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* Barcode<ref name=":0" />
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|
 +
* Inspect app (Smartphone)<ref name=":1">Masabi. "JustRide Inspect Validation Suite." [http://www.masabi.com/inspect-validation-suite/]</ref><!-- *Note: Inspect Validator and Gateline can also scan NFC and EMV tickets. The Inspect app can scan scan SmartCards. Thus Masabi's inspection platforms are compatible with a wider range of technologies than its ticketing platform. -->
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* Inspect validator (stand-alone)<ref name=":1" />
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* Inspect Gateline (attaches to existing fare gates)<ref name=":1" />
 +
|
 +
* Trip planning
 +
* Service Alerts
 +
|
 +
* Sonoma-Marin Rail Transit<ref>Apple Store. Smart eTickets [https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/smart-etickets/id1259298886?mt=8]</ref>
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* Metrolink<ref name=":2">Masabi. "Customers." http://www.masabi.com/customer-deployments/</ref>
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* Santa Clara VTA<ref name=":2" /><!-- mTicketing and Hub only.  -->
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|-
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|moovel
 +
|
 +
|
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* RiderApp (Mobile)<ref name=":3">“North American Products.” Moovel.[https://www.moovel-transit.com/en/na]</ref>
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* RiderWeb (website)<ref name=":3" />
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* InspectorApp, Fare Connect<!-- "Next-generation" inspection app released in June (see http://mobilityfinance.net/moovels-latest-tech-brings-company-closer-to-dominating-future-transit-payments/). -->. <ref name=":3" />
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* TOMS (Back Office)<ref name=":3" />
 +
|
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* Barcode (QR-code and Aztec)<ref name=":4">Sandler, Emma. "moovel’s Latest Tech Brings Company Closer to Dominating Future Transit Payments." June 19, 2017. [http://mobilityfinance.net/moovels-latest-tech-brings-company-closer-to-dominating-future-transit-payments/]</ref>
 +
* NFC<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4" />
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* Bluetooth<ref name=":4" /><!-- Fare Connect platform can validate Bluetooth tickets. Rider app description only describes or shows NFC, visual verification and barcode ticketing.  -->
 +
|
 +
* Inspect app (smartphone: validate barcodes and NFC)<ref name=":3" />.
 +
* FareConnect (hardware agnostic: integrated into existing hardware)<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4" />
 +
|
 +
* RideTap (ridesourcing, carshare and bikeshare)<ref name=":3" /><ref>[http://news.trimet.org/2016/05/trimet-tickets-app-now-helps-riders-connect-to-other-transportation-options/]</ref>
 +
|
 +
* Orange County Transportation Authority<ref>Bucher, Maile. "moovel Introduces Fare Connect a Contactless Fare System." July 24,2017. MassTransit Mag. [http://www.masstransitmag.com/article/12353872/moovel-introduces-fare-connect-a-contactless-fare-system]</ref><!-- Fare Connect validation software.  -->
 +
* Portland TriMet<ref>Globe Sherpa, predecessor. See. Tavila, Elisa. Transit Mobile Payments: Driving Consumer Experience and Adoption. Federal Reserve Bank of Boston. February 2015.</ref>
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|-
 +
|Passport
 +
|
 +
|
 +
* Integrated Mobile Travel app<ref name=":5">Passport Products: Transit. [https://passportinc.com/transit/]</ref>
 +
|
 +
* Visual Verification<ref>Charlotte Agenda. “Mobile Ticketing for the Light Rail is Finally Here.” [https://www.charlotteagenda.com/99363/mobile-ticketing-light-rail-finally/]</ref>
 +
* QR-code<ref name=":5" />
 +
|
 +
* Visual Verification inspection<ref name=":5" />
 +
|
 +
* Trip planning<ref name=":5" />
 +
* Real-time tracking<ref name=":5" />
 +
|
 +
* Sacramento RTC<ref name=":6">Passport. “Who We Serve.” [https://passportinc.com/transit-agencies/]</ref>
 +
* UTA<ref name=":6" />
 +
|-
 +
|Token Transit
 +
|
 +
|
 +
* Ticketing application<ref name=":7">"Token Transit." [https://www.tokentransit.com/]</ref>
 +
|
 +
* Visual Verification <ref name=":7" />
 +
|
 +
* Visual Verification inspection<ref name=":7" />
 +
|
 +
|
 +
* Santa Monica Big Blue Bus<ref name=":9">Token Transit. "Send a Pass." [https://www.tokentransit.com/send]</ref>
 +
|}
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==Benefits of Mobile Ticketing==
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[[File:Ticket+realtime.PNG|300px|thumb|right|Real-time data and mobile ticketing: a powerful combination]]
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===Integration with Trip Planning Applications===
 +
When integrated with applications providing trip planning services and real-time arrival data, mobile ticketing can greatly enhance the customer experience on public transit. For example, [[The Transit App]] now provides payment options for certain transit providers alongside its real-time arrival interface<ref>Transit. "One app to pay for all mobility in any city" September 9, 2019. https://medium.com/transit-app/one-app-to-pay-for-all-mobility-in-any-city-f083608f3177</ref>.
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 +
===Convenience for Visitors===
 +
Mobile ticketing is especially useful for visitors to a region and occasional passengers, who may not be familiar with the fare systems of local transit systems. To reach this demographic, transit agencies should consider advertising the availability of mobile ticketing, either physically with signage at transit stops or via trip planning applications.
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 +
==Challenges of Mobile Ticketing==
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===Regional Integration===
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Although mobile ticketing enables a more seamless travel experience by allowing riders to pay fares with their mobile device on any system that offers mobile ticketing, many mobile ticketing systems do not allow for transfers between operators or other kinds of fare integration. For example, someone riding a Santa Monica Big Blue Bus to transfer to an LA Metro bus could use mobile ticketing for the first leg, but they would have to pay full fare on the second boarding. That passenger would currently be better served by using TAP, the region's smart card, which automatically provides transfers.
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 +
Note that this is not an inherent limitation of mobile ticketing technology, but rather an institutional challenge. Although mobile ticketing options are generally implemented by individual transit agencies today, if implemented by a regional body they could support integrated fares.
 +
 
 +
===Access and Equity===
 +
While smartphone access is quite common today, it is not universal. In order to serve all riders, transit agencies should continue to provide fare payment options that can be used without a smartphone and/or a credit card.
 +
 
 +
==References==
 +
<references />
 +
 
 +
[[Category:Technology]]

Latest revision as of 17:49, 4 December 2019

Barcode-based mobile ticket, faregate with scanner.

Introduction

Fare payment systems represent a potential barrier for customers considering transit. Cash fares generally require customers to have exact change. Regional smart card systems are powerful, but they still require customers to acquire a physical card that may not be conveniently available. These barriers are perhaps more acute for visitors to a region, who may not be familiar with local transit services and the payment methods accepted.

Offering mobile ticketing can help reduce these barriers, especially as we seek to enable seamless, integrated travel both within and across regions. Leveraging the smartphones most people already carry, mobile ticketing technologies offer a convenient method of fare payment to users at a modest cost to transit agencies.

Implementing Mobile Ticketing

Comparison of Technologies

Barcode

Barcode mobile ticketing systems display the ticket as a 2-dimensional barcode, which can be scanned by fare inspectors or at faregates. New Jersey Transit's mobile ticketing platform uses this technology[1]. Although barcode validation traditionally required specialized machinery, mobile validation applications developed by Masabi[2] and moovel[3] allow validation using smartphones. Barcode validators can also be attached to electronic bus fareboxes and transit station turnstiles[4]. Limited wireless connectivity and poor lighting can impede processing of barcodes, delaying boarding on high volume transit routes[1].

Flash Pass/Visual Verification

Example of a flash pass mobile ticket.

Flash pass, or visual verification, tickets are activated by the customer when beginning a trip and displayed to the fare inspector. One of the simplest mobile ticketing technologies, they are currently used by the Los Angeles Department of Transportation, San Francisco Muni, and several other agencies. One drawback is that flash passes provide agencies with limited data on passenger boarding compared to other forms of mobile payment[1].

Near Field Communication

Near Field Communication (NFC) is a technology that stores financial data on a secure microprocessor chip (or “secure element”) embedded in certain smart phone models[5]. The chip transmits data at short range using radio waves,[6] communicating with devices that read smart cards meeting ISO standard 14443[5], as well as with other NFC-enabled mobile devices[7]. Payment typically requires a designated payment application like Android Pay or Apple Pay, and the processing of payments relies on an interchange of data between the mobile payment application, secure microprocessor, transaction processor (the fare validator) and application acceptor (the “merchant,” in this case, the transit agency)[5]. Riders can tap their phones to an NFC-enabled kiosk to download a fare product onto a particular payment application, then tap the phone directly to a ISO 14443-standard fare validator to “pay” the ticket from the application (as with a smart card)[5]. The phone-to-phone transfer of data permitted by NFC technology also allows for NFC-enabled phones to validate fares stored in the Secure Element of other NFC phones in situations (like on city buses) where no ISO 14443-standard validators are available[7].

NFC can also be implemented as an open system, accepting payments directly from smartphones or contactless bank cards at faregates[5]. This configuration offers a more seamless experience for riders, since they can use payment methods they already have without visiting a specialized kiosk or purchasing a particular transit fare product. In use in cities like London and Sydney, an open NFC system is also coming to New York City[8].

Bluetooth Low-Energy

The third mobile payment method involves the use of low-energy Bluetooth technology. Bluetooth low-energy “beacons”, powered by USB or battery, emit low-power wireless signals[9] that can detect and communicate with any smartphone equipped with the technology that comes within a certain distance of the beacon. Bluetooth Low-energy utilizes less power than traditional bluetooth technology, allowing it to operate continuously[1]. Transit agencies could equip the entrances to their vehicles with Bluetooth Low-energy beacons programmed to “read” value on the mobile accounts of oncoming passengers, deducting a fare without requiring passengers to remove their phones[1].

Bluetooth Low-energy technology appears to be more widespread than Near Field Communication, available on all apple operating systems of iOS 7 or higher and on Android operating systems more advanced than Android 4.3[10]. Although no large-scale deployments of the technology for transit payment have been conducted to date[7], pilot programs have demonstrated the technology's feasibility.

In 2017, Bytetoken (the UK division of Bytemark) tested a “KeyPass” system which utilized Bluetooth Low-Energy as well as cameras to create a new faregate that may be suited for mobility impaired or frequent travelers. The KeyPass system used a 3-D camera to track passengers’ movement and detect their physical characteristics, allowing the system to associate mobile tickets with specific passengers and open the fare gates for these passengers long enough to enable their entry [11].

SMS-based

A final form of mobile ticketing makes use of the phone’s Short Message Service (SMS) function. Riders can send a pre-determined code or phrase (representing a certain transit fare type) as a text message to a designated number, prompting a response showing the ticket fare (or zone) and travel details, often including an identification code. Rather than billing the customer directly, the transit agency charges the customer’s mobile service provider, which then passes on the fare cost to the customer as part of their messaging fees[12].

One variation on SMS technology uses Multi-media Messaging to send passengers a two dimensional barcode after they text their ticket request[13]. Token Transit, a North American company whose mobile platform is used by several California transit agencies (including Kern County Transit, Omnitrans and Santa Monica Big Blue Bus) has a ticketing window on their website that allows riders to pay for transit passes online and send the pass to their phone via SMS message[14].

Basic SMS-based ticketing systems work with any mobile device (not just smartphones) and do not require possession of a credit card. The simplicity and speed of the purchasing process (with no upfront billing required) may make this form of payment more amenable to customers than a mobile application for which one has to register[12]. Unfortunately, past deployments of SMS ticketing in Stockholm, Helsinki and Denmark[15] could only be used for purchases of single fares (as opposed to passes), because of the messages’ limited functionality. The billing of mobile companies, rather than individuals, impedes employer-based fare payment and excludes riders who do not subscribe to an approved service provider[12]. The technology’s use of mobile billing also requires transit agencies to enter into partnerships with mobile providers[16]. Finally, basic SMS tickets lack secure encryption[17]. SMS ticketing that involves use of a barcode ticket is more secure, but requires possession of a smartphone.

Possibly due to these drawbacks as well as the increased prevalence of smartphones, cities such as Helsinki and Stockholm have recently withdrawn their SMS ticketing platforms[18][19].

Overview of Mobile Ticketing Platforms

The following table lists some of the major companies involved in the mobile ticketing industry, with information on their platforms and the technologies and uses these platforms support.

Company Product name Components Supported technologies Validation Technologies Auxiliary Functions Transit Systems
Bytemark[20]
  • Mobile Ticket application
  • Merchant Back Office
  • Validators
  • Visual Verification
  • QR-code
  • NFC
  • Merchant Mobile app (Smartphone-based)
  • Hardware validators (stand-alone)
  • Trip planning
  • Scheduling/Route Maps
  • Advisory Alerts
  • New York Waterway[21].
  • Toronto Transit commission[22]
Masabi JustRide[23]
  • mTicketing app
  • Hub (cloud-based back office)
  • Inspect Validation Suite
  • Inspect app (Smartphone)[4]
  • Inspect validator (stand-alone)[4]
  • Inspect Gateline (attaches to existing fare gates)[4]
  • Trip planning
  • Service Alerts
  • Sonoma-Marin Rail Transit[25]
  • Metrolink[26]
  • Santa Clara VTA[26]
moovel
  • RiderApp (Mobile)[27]
  • RiderWeb (website)[27]
  • InspectorApp, Fare Connect. [27]
  • TOMS (Back Office)[27]
  • Inspect app (smartphone: validate barcodes and NFC)[27].
  • FareConnect (hardware agnostic: integrated into existing hardware)[27][28]
  • RideTap (ridesourcing, carshare and bikeshare)[27][29]
  • Orange County Transportation Authority[30]
  • Portland TriMet[31]
Passport
  • Integrated Mobile Travel app[32]
  • Visual Verification inspection[32]
  • Trip planning[32]
  • Real-time tracking[32]
Token Transit
  • Ticketing application[35]
  • Visual Verification [35]
  • Visual Verification inspection[35]
  • Santa Monica Big Blue Bus[14]

Benefits of Mobile Ticketing

Real-time data and mobile ticketing: a powerful combination

Integration with Trip Planning Applications

When integrated with applications providing trip planning services and real-time arrival data, mobile ticketing can greatly enhance the customer experience on public transit. For example, The Transit App now provides payment options for certain transit providers alongside its real-time arrival interface[36].

Convenience for Visitors

Mobile ticketing is especially useful for visitors to a region and occasional passengers, who may not be familiar with the fare systems of local transit systems. To reach this demographic, transit agencies should consider advertising the availability of mobile ticketing, either physically with signage at transit stops or via trip planning applications.

Challenges of Mobile Ticketing

Regional Integration

Although mobile ticketing enables a more seamless travel experience by allowing riders to pay fares with their mobile device on any system that offers mobile ticketing, many mobile ticketing systems do not allow for transfers between operators or other kinds of fare integration. For example, someone riding a Santa Monica Big Blue Bus to transfer to an LA Metro bus could use mobile ticketing for the first leg, but they would have to pay full fare on the second boarding. That passenger would currently be better served by using TAP, the region's smart card, which automatically provides transfers.

Note that this is not an inherent limitation of mobile ticketing technology, but rather an institutional challenge. Although mobile ticketing options are generally implemented by individual transit agencies today, if implemented by a regional body they could support integrated fares.

Access and Equity

While smartphone access is quite common today, it is not universal. In order to serve all riders, transit agencies should continue to provide fare payment options that can be used without a smartphone and/or a credit card.

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Florida Department of Transportation (2016). “Assessment of Mobile Fare Payment Technology for Future Deployment in Florida.” [1]
  2. ↑ “Inspect Validation Suite.” Masabi.com. [2]
  3. ↑ North American Products.” Moovel. [3]
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 Masabi. "JustRide Inspect Validation Suite." [4]
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 Smart Card Alliance Transportation Council. “Near Field Communication (NFC) and Transit: Applications, Technology and Implementation Considerations.” February 2012. [5]
  6. ↑ Gordon, Scott Adam. “What is NFC and how does it work on an Android?” AndroidPit.com. [6]
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Leal, Joao Pedro Santos Reis. Ticket Validation in Public Transportation Using the Smartphone. June 2015. https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/5a3f/addb00a4731470eb0401b8b531d57e02fffc.pdf]
  8. ↑ Caroline Spivak. "A guide to OMNY, the MTA’s new MetroCard-replacing fare system" November 13 2019. [7]
  9. ↑ Bluetooth. “How it works.” [8]
  10. ↑ Bluetooth Low Energy: Introduction. [9]
  11. ↑ Railway Gazette UK. “Bluetooth-enabled ticket gates demonstrated.” [10]
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 Juntunen A., Luukkainen, S., & Tuunainen, V. K. (2010, June). Deploying NFC technology for mobile ticketing services–identification of critical business model issues. In Mobile Business and 2010 Ninth Global Mobility Roundtable (ICMB-GMR), 2010 Ninth International Conference on (pp. 82-90). IEEE. [11]
  13. ↑ World Bank. "SMS or barcode on Smartphone." [12]
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 Token Transit. "Send a Pass." [13]
  15. ↑ Fynbus. "Enkeltrejser" (Translation: Single Tickets). [14]
  16. ↑ Polite (Policy Learning in Information Technologies for Transportation Enhancement). “Analysis and Reporting of Best Practices.” [15]
  17. ↑ Ferreira, Galvo Dias and Cunha. “Design and Evaluation of a Mobile Payment System for Public Transport: The MobiPag Prototype.” 2014.[16]
  18. ↑ “Fares and Tickets.” SL. [17]
  19. ↑ Helsingin Sendun Liikinne. “Tickets and Fares: SMS Ticket.” HSL/HRT. [18]
  20. ↑ Bytemark. [19]
  21. ↑ Gilkyson, Blair. NYC Ferry Launches New Midtown to Astoria Route. 2017. [20]
  22. ↑ Mobile Payments Today. "Mobile Ticketing Comes to Toronto's Transit System. Jul 13, 2015. [21]
  23. ↑ Masabi. JustRide Platform. [22]
  24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 Masabi. "JustRide mTicketing App." [23]
  25. ↑ Apple Store. Smart eTickets [24]
  26. ↑ 26.0 26.1 Masabi. "Customers." http://www.masabi.com/customer-deployments/
  27. ↑ 27.0 27.1 27.2 27.3 27.4 27.5 27.6 27.7 “North American Products.” Moovel.[25]
  28. ↑ 28.0 28.1 28.2 28.3 Sandler, Emma. "moovel’s Latest Tech Brings Company Closer to Dominating Future Transit Payments." June 19, 2017. [26]
  29. ↑ [27]
  30. ↑ Bucher, Maile. "moovel Introduces Fare Connect a Contactless Fare System." July 24,2017. MassTransit Mag. [28]
  31. ↑ Globe Sherpa, predecessor. See. Tavila, Elisa. Transit Mobile Payments: Driving Consumer Experience and Adoption. Federal Reserve Bank of Boston. February 2015.
  32. ↑ 32.0 32.1 32.2 32.3 32.4 Passport Products: Transit. [29]
  33. ↑ Charlotte Agenda. “Mobile Ticketing for the Light Rail is Finally Here.” [30]
  34. ↑ 34.0 34.1 Passport. “Who We Serve.” [31]
  35. ↑ 35.0 35.1 35.2 "Token Transit." [32]
  36. ↑ Transit. "One app to pay for all mobility in any city" September 9, 2019. https://medium.com/transit-app/one-app-to-pay-for-all-mobility-in-any-city-f083608f3177
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