TransMach helps reduce fare dodging
TransMach has helped reduce fare dodging on Keolis’ trams in Nottingham.
The Nottingham Contactless Project enables customers to travel on NCT buses, the Linkbus network and the tram. For the city’s non-gated tram system travel is paid for by simply tapping the ticket validators with contactless devices.
To reduce instances of fare dodging, Keolis Nottingham employs Customer Experience Agents (CXAs) who can inspect tickets and also validate contactless transactions, using TransMach’s handheld TM920 machines. These have been programmed in-house by TransMach to read ITSO smartcard and all other contactless card transactions using an API connection (provided by INIT) for checking the last used validation.
“Not only is this a seamless system but it eliminates the possibility of entering data incorrectly and reduces our carbon footprint by not using paper” – Mandip Bahra, Assistant Commercial Manager, Keolis Nottingham
Mandip Bahra, Assistant Commercial Manager, Keolis Nottingham, said: “The main reason for selecting TransMach’s TM920 was to equip our CXAs with just one user-friendly device that was able to check all tickets and contactless transactions but also had the functionality to issue penalty fare notices (PFNs) where required. It was the ideal solution.
“Reducing administration was another major benefit, as previously our CXAs had to record all their activity on paper then transfer the data to a spreadsheet. The TM920 captures this information automatically and stores it on TransMach’s encrypted cloud-based back office. Not only is this a seamless system but it eliminates the possibility of entering data incorrectly and reduces our carbon footprint by not using paper.”
Since the roll-out of the project, TransMach has introduced a messaging service to improve communication between CXAs and team leaders, which is especially effective when managing service disruptions. CXAs receive an instant pop-up notification on the Android-based TM920, alerting them of a new message, which is a discreet alternative to using a voice broadcast on the tram.
The best way to eliminate fare-dodging is to eliminate open boarding. Everything else is just dealing with the tip of the iceberg. If they can run a tram without open boarding in Blackpool, then they can do it anywhere.