TTK Scanning-Post for Barcoded Train Tickets

Barcoded tickets, which account for a major proportion of UK rail tickets, are currently scanned by automated gates (ATGs) on entry and exit at railway stations and by hand-held validators on trains.

At present, over 80% of mainline stations are ungated (no ATGs), where tickets are inspected manually by train staff or not at all. This is a large gap in the existing infrastructure which we want to address by providing an attractive proposition for automatic ticket validation at these stations.

Installing traditional ATGs is prohibitive due to both the significant cost and inconvenience/undesirability of a fixed physical barrier. The challenge is to provide an attractive alternative for fixed-point validation at ungated stations.

Our proposal for a freestanding scanning-post or wall mounted scanning-box introduces self-scanning by customers and provides the opportunity for customers to "check-in".

The scanning-post works with existing barcoded tickets either on paper or displayed on a smartphone. No changes to any existing ticket formats or rules are required.

The idea is a further development of TTK's existing ticket validation system, which uses a smartphone and handheld scanner and is currently deployed by several TOCs.

By validating their tickets before boarding a train, passengers gain the confidence of having checked-in with a valid ticket. Some TOCs are also keen to reward "self-validation" through their loyalty schemes.

As a result of the comprehensive installation of scanning-posts at stations, we believe that the rail industry will benefit from lower costs associated with revenue protection, reduced fraudulent activity and improved information on customer travel behaviour.

This is an exciting innovation for UK rail ticket validation and represents a radical change from existing practices. It offers huge benefits to both passengers and train companies: * Installation at a tiny fraction of the cost of traditional ATGs;

* Integrated with the established industry validation system and, therefore, future-proof and always up to date with the latest ticket technology and regulations; * Improved information for marketing, travel statistics, customer communication and customer loyalty schemes; * A modern, customer-friendly approach to ticket validation;

* Full and easy access for all including disabled passengers and those with mobility issues.

The key objective is to design, test and produce a commercially viable barcoded ticket scanning-post that can be easily and cost effectively deployed at UK railway stations.