Account Based Ticketing
simplifies the passenger experience

WHAT IS ACCOUNT-BASED TICKETING?

In an Account Based Ticketing fare collection system, all travel and account information is stored in a reliable, secure, and cloud-hosted back office. This back office serves as the hub where riders’ fares are calculated, and transit agencies can apply more flexible and equitable fare rules. Riders can choose a validation method that best suits them, such as tapping a smart card or scanning a QR code on their mobile phone.

While an ABT model can still accept paper tickets and cash, ticketless validation is seen as the future of transit ticketing and many fare collection systems aim to provide this benefit. ABT systems are often rolled out alongside Contactless EMV where a rider can pay for their travel with a bank card or smartwatch without the need to purchase a ticket.

UNDERSTANDING ACCOUNT-BASED TICKETING

When a rider travels on an ABT system, they don’t always need to understand the fares or buy a ticket upfront. The back office handles fare processing and determines the fare based on various factors such as distance traveled and peak or off-peak journeys. This can include best value calculations, automated trip correction, transfers, and fare capping formulas.

For the passenger, this means that Account-Based Ticketing can calculate the best fare for them and ensure they will not be overcharged for their journey. Fare caps ensure efficiency and cost effectiveness for the rider. ABT helps make public transport more attractive to passengers by offering best value fares and it allows for more flexibility when traveling.

HOW DOES ACCOUNT-BASED TICKETING WORK?

Account-Based Ticketing works with the central platform’s back office, which manages the passenger’s right to travel. The purchased token or fare is the proof of the passenger’s right to travel. For example, when a customer taps in using their mobile phone at the start of their journey, the ABT system will track their taps and then calculate the correct fare at the end of the journey. This allows the central platform’s back office to deliver accurate results.

Account-based ticketing works with a variety of fare media. This means that transit agencies can offer more options for passengers to purchase a fare and can encourage riders to use their own devices, such as smartphones or bank cards, to pay for travel without the need for a ticket. This way, there is no need to purchase new devices or apps, and the transactions are seamless. Selecting the right tokens is crucial for a central platform, and choosing one that uses widely used tokens is ideal.

IMPLEMENTING ACCOUNT-BASED TICKETING

When implementing an account-based ticketing system, it’s important to consider the different stakeholders involved. Vix can help you set up the right fare policies for you and your riders, integrate with your partners and run reports.

We design, install, launch, maintain, and upgrade our systems to provide exceptional service for transit agencies as well as riders.

VIX PULSE AUTOMATED FARE COLLECTION

Vix Pulse is Vix’s flagship and battle tested Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) system. 

Pulse’s open architecture, modular design, proven integration experience and ease of operation answers transit agencies’ fare collection needs. Pulse enables transit agencies and operators to deliver a modern Account Based Ticketing system which improves customer satisfaction, increases revenue, and reduces operating costs. 

Pulse delivers Account Based Ticketing, Open Payments and can support QR validation with an integrated mobile application. Pulse is a complete AFC solution that easily integrates with other products and partners.