diesel57
05-02-2004, 22:03
Phones as ticket machines
A new scheme launching in Germany this month could be coming our way soon. Commuters in the Vogtland region can now pay for their rail tickets via their mobile phone. The system, developed by Siemens, offers two alternatives. In the first, users download software to their Java phone and can then access their tickets via WAP - everything from single tickets to annual passes are available. In the second option, passengers make a voice call to an automated system which incorporates voice recognition, so there's no need to listen to lengthy automated menus.
In the initial trials, payment needs to be made by credit transfer from a bank, but there are plans to include payment on mobile phone bills, credit cards or prepay cards. Passengers can flash their virtual card to ticket inspectors via the display on their mobile. The new system is hoped to eradicate queuing for tickets and the improved data collection possibilities it offers is eventually hoped to improve services. :)
A new scheme launching in Germany this month could be coming our way soon. Commuters in the Vogtland region can now pay for their rail tickets via their mobile phone. The system, developed by Siemens, offers two alternatives. In the first, users download software to their Java phone and can then access their tickets via WAP - everything from single tickets to annual passes are available. In the second option, passengers make a voice call to an automated system which incorporates voice recognition, so there's no need to listen to lengthy automated menus.
In the initial trials, payment needs to be made by credit transfer from a bank, but there are plans to include payment on mobile phone bills, credit cards or prepay cards. Passengers can flash their virtual card to ticket inspectors via the display on their mobile. The new system is hoped to eradicate queuing for tickets and the improved data collection possibilities it offers is eventually hoped to improve services. :)