Value charging to media

Value charging to media is not possible with manual systems using pre-printed tickets or plain ticket media, and is only applicable to stored-value and electronic products.

The processes to install or replenish value onto electronic media enable users to ‘top-up’ value, periodically or automatically as they select, so that the media can have ongoing travel validity. Automatic topping up requires the passenger to give continuing payment authority to the card provider from his bank or card account, and occurs when the value or time limit comes close to expiry. Periodic topping up is at the user’s discretion in terms of timing and quantum, and allows the traveler to control the funds allocated to the travel product.

The advantage of adding value electronically is the ease of use for passengers and the ease of accounting for the system operators. The outcome is that passengers can be confident that that their travel documents can be continuously valid, subject to funds transfer. In addition, there is a security advantage in that cash transactions are avoided in the operating environment, thus constraining staff fraud such as peculation and collusion.