Scanable image on phone or PDA

A wide range of fare payment options is now available for mobile phones and PDAs. This section deals with applications where an image or information is sent to the phone. The next section deals with applications on mobile devices that communicate directly with the fare collection system.

The customer receives a scanable image in one of two ways:

• The customer makes an online booking, either from the mobile device or from a PC. After successful completion of the transaction and verification of payment, the image and any other relevant information is sent to the nominated mobile device. In this mode, the booking is a standard internet transaction.
• The customer downloads an application to the mobile device, and then makes the booking or purchases the fare product using the application. The application is needed for both the booking and to receive the image.

This area is still in the innovation and development stage. A wide variety of image and reading concepts are currently in use. It remains to be seen which concepts will become firmly established and standardized. Among the prevailing image concepts are:

• A barcode is sent to the mobile device to be displayed on the screen and presented to the barcode reader or other scanning device on the vehicle or control to the transit area. If there is not a barcode reader at the vehicle or station, or it is not working, the barcode is shown to the driver.
• A numeric code or data matrix is sent to the mobile device. It is displayed on the mobile screen and presented to a reader / scanner on the vehicle or control point to the transit area. Optionally, the code may be checked in real-time via the vehicle’s GSM / GPRS or via the platform / station server.

In the public transport domain, scanable images are used for a variety of applications:

• Single tickets
• Multi-journey tickets
• Travel passes

The normal mode of payment is by credit or debit card. In some cases, the customer can establish an account with the transit agency and purchase travel credit. The customer can then use the travel credit to purchase individual tickets, which are sent to the mobile device.

Benefits of scanable images on mobile phones and PDAs are:

• Customers can acquire their tickets online, without having to visit booking offices or vendor / agent points.
• For the transit agency, it exploits the users’ technology platform (internet, mobile phones, PDAs) at very low cost.
• Savings in distribution costs and vendor / agent commission.
• Can present a modern, innovative image of the public transport, especially to younger and tech-savvy people who might not usually consider using the bus.
• There is full transaction data and audit record.
• Can form part of a broader Customer Relationship Management program.
• Reduces the amount of cash transactions on-board, and can offer a viable alternative for infrequent travelers if wishing to eliminate on-board cash.
• Can link the ticket purchase with other purchases associated with the travel (e.g. concerts, cinema).

Cautions with regard to scanable images on mobile phones and PDAs are:

• Still in the innovation and development stage. Implementers carry risk of technical and reliability problems.
• Problems of reliability in reading barcodes on small mobile screens.
• Potential for delays in transmission of the image when the network is busy.
• System cannot provide revenue integrity for on-board validation of pre-purchased tickets if the ticket can be purchased and shown during a ticket inspection action.
• Accidental deletion of the image by the customer.
• Image cannot be accessed if the battery runs out on the customer’s mobile phone or PDA.