Not so long ago, we would have thought this was science fiction. But now the technological revolution we’ve been experiencing for some time – with Artificial Intelligence and its countless applications increasingly governing our lives – makes us believe that anything is possible. And very much in the realm of reality…
This is how things are evolving in rail transport regarding pricing and new forms of ticketing. Even though this is currently happening only in a few countries during testing phases, there’s a good chance that these new practices could soon become widespread beyond simple experimentation…
After Japan, the United Kingdom
Japan was first as a pioneer with a system allowing commuter train passengers in Tokyo to board their trains by simply being recognized by cameras mounted at train car entrances. These same cameras would then determine the user’s journey between departure and arrival points before automatically charging the trip cost to their bank account.
Now, this process – or at least one of its “promising” variants – is arriving in Europe, particularly in the United Kingdom on certain lines where several thousand volunteers are testing what could be called “21st-century ticketing.” This may lead to broader implementation in the future.
Here, no cameras are needed – just a smartphone app that uses GPS to automatically determine the best fare for each journey a person takes. This eliminates the need for physical or virtual tickets, advance purchases, or anything else we currently know in this field.
Concretely, travelers simply scan a barcode at their departure station entrance, and then their rail journey is automatically tracked by their phone’s GPS. At the end of each day, they’re billed at the lowest rate for all trips taken during that day. This creates more fluid and faster access to trains (and buses) with time savings for the public. For transportation companies and authorities, eliminating tickets and travel cards could reduce costs accordingly, with potentially fewer instances of fare evasion as well. Without a doubt, this is a system with a clear future…
Hello! I’m Ben Fischer, a travel enthusiast who has journeyed far and wide to bring you unique and inspiring stories. Each destination is a new adventure for me, a chance to explore diverse cultures and share unforgettable experiences.
In my articles, I take you beyond mere descriptions of places. I share the encounters, special moments, and anecdotes that make each trip unique. My writing is an invitation to see the world through my eyes, blending practical tips with personal insights.
As a lifelong traveler, I approach each journey with respect and curiosity, eager to uncover the stories hidden in every corner of the globe.
