The same consoles and contactless validators for everyone, a single ticketing system that collects operating data via WiFi or GPRS, a single service-provider for hosting and outsourcing but strict separation of data between four customers*: these are the advantages of the new system introduced in the department of Isère (France) in March. And users are delighted.
"We replaced our old magnetic system with a leading-edge solution that involved heavy investment," explains Fabien Lapacherie, ticketing manager for the Vienne region network. For her part, Betty Bouin, ticketing and pricing manager for the Transisère network, points out that “Even though the investment was shared, we are each on our home territory and our networks are fully interoperable.”
“We now have a complete overview of our transport network”
In the field, 1,000 driver consoles, 300 contactless validators and 180 ticket office and retailer vending terminals replaced the existing equipment at the beginning of the year. At the same time, ACS installed the communication network architecture for the 35 depots spread over the department’s 7,500 km2. The changeover took place in early March, when the contactless card became the standard. Operating data and revenues are sent to the system each evening before being redistributed to each network.
The new system meets everyone’s priority needs. Betty Bouin explains: “GPRS gives us complete flexibility as regards the operating methods used by our 50 transport companies: we receive the information daily. Whether or not the services are actually provided, revenues are managed in real time. This level of transparency is completely new for the Isère council, and gives us a means of gearing our network as closely as possible to our customers’ needs." In 2012, the GPRS on the ACS console will also become the linchpin of a passenger information system.
In Vienne, Fabien Lapacherie is compiling an analysis of the operating reports for this summer: “The latest results indicate that ridership has increased by 5% in comparison with the old system, which was becoming less and less reliable. Now we will be able to optimise our transport network.”
The shared ticketing system now operating in Isère also offers on-line ticket sales, compatibility with the OùRA multimodal pass used throughout the Rhone-Alps region, and self-service terminals enabling customers to consult on-line information on routes across Isère. And last but not least, the equipment is judged “intuitive and reliable” by drivers and is well accepted by users. Betty Bouin concludes: “Our image is now that of a state-of-the-art network.”
* Transisère network run by the Isère department council, and Isle d’Abeau, Vienne and Voiron urban district networks
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