Software provider Amdocs has announced a collaboration with smart ticketing and payment solutions firm Unicard to create a ticketing product that can support multi-operator and multi-modal fare capping.
The firms said the solution, powered by Unicard’s account-based ticketing (ABT) system and Amdocs’ cloud-based payment platform, will see passengers enjoying a simple, unified “tap-in, tap-out' customer experience for ticketing and payments across various modes of transport spanning bus, rail, tram and micromobility services such as dockless bikes and e-scooters.
The multi-modal solution can also be configured to enable multi-operator ticketing and provide fare capping across modes and operators, something that transport authorities outside London have been struggling to provide for passengers.
Alex Sbardella, head of product at Unicard, told Transport Network: ‘The solution has been built from the ground up with multi-modal and multi-operator schemes in mind.
‘It has a powerful capping and fares engine that incorporates multi-modal capping - bolt-ons and subscriptions - and multi-operator capping, alongside traditional multi-trip capping and hopper ticketing.
‘It’s specifically designed to enable cities, regional transport authorities and local authorities to deliver new ticketing schemes as quickly and flexibly as possible.’
The firms said the aim is to encourage passengers to use sustainable forms of transport by removing the payment friction of switching from one mode of travel to another and providing real-time payment and charging updates.
They said Unicard’s ABT system supports contactless travel, facilitated by tokens in the form of smart tickets, smart cards, mobile apps or digital wallets, while the scalable, automated and API-based nature of Amdocs’ cloud-based payment platform allows for the quick and easy addition and integration of new mobility and transport service providers.
Unicard CEO Sean Dickinson said: ‘Amdocs, with its global expertise in automation and customer experience, was the ideal partner to help us build this type of solution. This is the latest innovation from our portfolio of solutions designed to make public transport much more affordable and accessible.’
Anthony Goonetilleke, group president of technology and head of strategy at Amdocs, said: ‘We’re pleased to partner with Unicard to deliver this important initiative, which promotes sustainable and flexible travel options alongside a frictionless customer experience.’
Register now for full access
Register just once to get unrestricted, real-time coverage of the issues and challenges facing UK transport and highways engineers.
Full website content includes the latest news, exclusive commentary from leading industry figures and detailed topical analysis of the highways, transportation, environment and place-shaping sectors.
Use the link below to register your details for full, free access.
Already a registered? Login
