Account-Based Ticketing: time to learn our ABTs.

With the world rapidly going cashless and contactless account-based ticketing (ABT) has become the golden standard of the public transportation industry and a much-desired solution for the vast majority of municipalities around the globe. No wonder why this topic gets increasing attention at a large number of conferences and exhibitions.

So What is Account-Based Ticketing?

ABT, to put it simply, means ticketing without any ticket. It shifts all data and ticket information away from any physical media (e.g., traditional smart cards) to the cloud (back-office) and links it to personal accounts. Thanks to ABT, all tariff calculations, and payment processing can be performed online, ensuring that the system is constantly up-to-date and synchronized with backoffice.

What are ABT’s Main Advantages?

• Multiple Media Acceptance.

Most transit authorities around the globe work hard to promote the use of public transport and try to improve the passenger travel experience. Today, having as many payment options as it is technologically possible is not a whim but a necessity. ABT enables passengers to use their contactless credit and debit cards, NFC-enabled smartphones as well as QR codes for payments. That all makes public transport inclusive and more attractive for all passengers.

• Advanced Fare Structure.

One of the most welcomed and distinctive features of ABT is the flexible fare structure. To get an overall idea, take a look at these different fare calculation types:

1. Standard Fare – when routes have their predetermined standard tariff that does not change in accordance with time, distance, or zone.
2. Transfer Fare – when passengers pay for their first trip as they would normally do but then get either a discount or do not pay anything at all for the next trip during a certain period of time.
3. Concession Fare – when the municipality grants different types of passengers (e.g., students, seniors, and people with disabilities) the opportunity to use public transport with a discount (full or partial) – even when paying with debit or credit cards.
4. Check-in / Check-Out Fare – when passengers pay the predetermined full price when they enter a vehicle and get back a portion of what they spent (based on the travel distance) when they tap their cards again at the exit.
5. Off-Peak Time Fare – when the municipality decides to restrict the use of specific card types during peak hours.
6. Temporary Tickets – when the municipality decides to introduce special rates for holidays, weekends, or any other occasion.
7. Fare Capping – when passengers get rewarded with free rides after they reach the fare equivalent of a daily, weekly, or monthly pass.

Want to learn more about kentkart’s latest payment solutions? Visit our fare collection page and contact our team if you want to schedule an online meeting with us.