Mobile computers with a GPRS connection enable ticketless travel with Bus4You. Ticket validation on board the bus is handled by mobile computers with a direct link to the bus company’s booking system.
Background
Bus4You is a bus company that operates between Stockholm and Gothenburg in Sweden. The company focuses on comfort at a competitive price. The buses are equipped with plush leather seats, Internet, TV, and coffee machines. Most important is the customer service that creates a positive experience for the customer.
Problem
Bus4You lacked a way to control tickets onboard and needed a system that also could handle credit card payments oboard the bus.
Requirements
Bus4You was looking for a system that would enable it to implement ticketless travel and for an efficient way to control tickets, seat reservations, and onboard ticket sales.
Solution
Bus4You invested in TrueMobile, a monthly flat-rate mobile computing service with a real-time connection to the booking system, enabling ticketless travel and improved customer service.
Today all tickets are paid for in advance, but TrueMobile also supports credit card payment on board. Tickets can be printed, or the customer can chose to travel without a ticket, using a driver’s license or other identification. Additionally, the customer can reserve a seat and preorder refreshments.
“TrueMobile has enabled us to offer ticketless travel, something that our customers really appreciate,” said Lars Persson, IT director of Bus4You. “The new ticket system makes boarding the bus faster, helping our drivers to leave on schedule.”
The bus driver logs into the system to get access to the passenger list and information about seat reservations. The driver uses the mobile computer for ticket control by scanning either the ticket bar code or the driver’s license. Bus4You uses a cordless imager scanner that communicates with the mobile computer via Bluetooth. The imager can also be used to take photos of unclaimed luggage or damage to the bus.
Advantages
The mobile computer speeds up ticket control, and the driver knows in advance how many passengers will get on and off at each stop. Every passenger is scanned as he or she gets on and off the bus. The mobile computer communicates directly with Bus4You’s booking system in real time.
“The new system has created a safer work environment for our drivers, since no cash is required on the bus,” explained Persson. “Both our drivers and the back office always have accurate information about the passengers, something that is important if an accident were ever to happen.”
The TrueMobile software is module-based, which makes it easy to add more functions and users. The program is easy to use and does not require any training. All captured information is sent in real time to TrueMobile Web and retrieved by the central booking system via FTP every other minute.
TrueMobile makes it easy to start using mobile computers. There is no initial development or start-up cost. Twenty-four-hour exchange repairs are included in the price, which helps minimize system downtime.