Analysis of inteligent urban public transport ticketing systems: electronic cards and e-ticketing

Abstract

General principles of two approaches in intelligent public transport -electronic cards' system (smartcards) and e-ticketing are analysed in the paper. Main focus in the article is devoted for advantages of these systems, types of electronic tickets and related equipment, principles of e-ticketing and functional areas of it. In the article analysis has also been made on practical outcomes related with introduction of smart cards and e-ticketing. Practical tests and trials as well as a subsequent implementation of electronic tickets have proved unchallenged advantages of contactless smart cards against the contact ones. Nevertheless, a new age of modem technologies calls even for more effective solutions - namely - so called virtual-ticketing systems that might be achieved through introduction of mobile technologies. The main advantage of e-ticketing against the smartcards is a cost - smartcards are effective mostly in multi-journey approach. E-ticketing systems is much more flexible, more progressive and therefore, the main focus in the paper is made on the analysis of e-ticket.