Unicard LTD, a leading provider of smart ticketing and payment solutions, has revolutionized the travel experience by deploying its innovative Ticketing Hub platform with Transport for Wales (TfW). This collaboration marks a significant milestone, as TfW becomes the first train operator in the UK, outside of London, to introduce contactless EMV payment services. The partnership aims to enhance convenience and accessibility for passengers by allowing them to use their bank cards or mobile payment apps for seamless train travel.
Transport for Wales sets the standard in contactless EMV services
With the adoption of Unicard’s Ticketing Hub platform, Transport for Wales has emerged as a trailblazer in the UK rail industry. This move cements their commitment to providing state-of-the-art solutions that simplify the travel experience. By embracing contactless EMV payment technology, TfW sets a new standard in the industry, inspiring other operators to enhance their ticketing and payment systems.
Rollout of contactless EMV payments
To ensure a smooth and efficient implementation, Transport for Wales will begin with a pilot scheme running between Newport, Cardiff, and Pontyclun. Passengers traveling on these selected train routes will now have the option to tap in and out using their EMV-enabled bank cards or mobile payment apps. This initial phase aims to gauge the popularity and effectiveness of the system before expanding it further across the South Wales Metro area in the coming year.
From Lines to Convenience: Enhancing the Travel Experience
Gone are the days of standing in long queues for tickets or applying for a travel card. With the Ticketing Hub platform, passengers simply need to utilize their existing bank cards or payment apps on their mobile devices to catch a train. This seamless transition eliminates the need for separate travel cards, reducing complexity and enhancing the overall convenience of travel.
Unicard Ticketing Hub: Providing a Pathway for Integration
At the heart of this breakthrough is Unicard’s Ticketing Hub platform, which serves as an integration platform allowing customers to tap in and out using payment cards or mobile devices. The system employs validators located on rail platforms and gates at ticket barriers. This user-friendly approach ensures a hassle-free experience for passengers, streamlining the ticketing process.
Multi-modal and multi-operator capabilities
One of the key advantages of the Unicard solution is its multi-modal and multi-operator capabilities. This means that scheme administrators can seamlessly mix equipment within a single deployment, enabling interoperability across various transport systems. The flexibility offered by the Ticketing Hub platform allows for greater connectivity and convenience for passengers, regardless of the different modes of transport they use.
Initial availability and future expansion
Transport for Wales, in partnership with Unicard, aims to ensure a smooth transition for passengers by initially launching the Ticketing Hub solution on selected train services operating out of Newport, Cardiff, and Pontyclun. The gradual rollout will involve collecting feedback from passengers and optimizing the platform before expanding to other routes. This phased approach enables TfW to refine the system and deliver a flawless experience to a wider audience.
Collaborating for Success: UniCard and Ecebs
Unicard’s commitment to excellence is demonstrated by its strategic acquisition of Ecebs, a specialist in smart transport ticketing and payment solutions. This collaboration has empowered Unicard to leverage Ecebs’ expertise and work towards the seamless implementation of the Ticketing Hub solution with Transport for Wales. The joint effort aims to deliver world-class functionality while ensuring compatibility across different systems and technologies.
Transitioning through Testing: Making Progress in the Face of Challenges
The development and integration of the Ticketing Hub platform faced unforeseen setbacks due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, as restrictions eased, work resumed on the crucial development and third-party integration, ensuring the system’s resilience and adaptability to the new normal. Now, after intensive development efforts, the platform has reached the testing phase, bringing TfW and Unicard closer to providing a modernized, efficient, and secure travel experience for passengers.
Unicard’s Track Record: Establishing a Strong Footprint
Unicard’s solutions have already garnered recognition and adoption by over 80 local and regional authorities in England, Scotland, and Wales. Notably, Transport for London and Transport for Wales have successfully implemented Unicard’s systems, benefiting their respective passengers. The widespread adoption of Unicard’s solutions underscores its reputation as a leading innovator in the industry and paves the way for future collaborations and advancements in smart ticketing and payment solutions.
Transport for Wales, in collaboration with Unicard, has made significant strides in revolutionizing the travel experience by introducing contactless EMV payments on its train routes. With the innovative Ticketing Hub platform, passengers can now tap in and out using their bank cards or mobile payment apps, eliminating the need for paper tickets and travel cards. This frictionless approach not only provides convenience for passengers but also sets a new standard for train operators outside of London. As Unicard continues to pioneer smart ticketing solutions and extend partnerships, the future of seamless, secure, and accessible travel looks promising for passengers across the UK.