/ Transforming UK Ticketing

TVM Innovations for the UK

Are you ready to enhance passenger satisfaction at ticket vending machines (TVMs)? We've designed two innovative solutions that significantly improve the passenger experience, positively influencing people's decisions to use public transportation: Paper Roll Ticketing and a new TVM Application.

Paper Roll Ticketing

For many years, the UK's public transport has relied on traditional magstripe ticketing systems. This technology is now outdated and, by today's standards, slow and costly. Consequently, there is a pressing need for a more sustainable and affordable alternative for the public transport sector. Our solution: Paper Roll Ticketing (PRT). With PRT we are introducing a barcode-based plain paper ticketing solution, supporting the UK National Rail to move away from traditional magstripe ticketing – all while maximising ticket capacity, reducing operating costs and enabling wider efficiencies across the industry.

A highly successful industry trial alongside the Rail Delivery Group (RDG) and Greater Anglia for a PRT solution was recently completed. This trial, funded by RDG, incorporates a dual functionality to cater for both PRT and magstripe tickets for cross London journeys. The trial successfully showed the printers all being fault-free during the trial period, as well as large uptake of channel shift towards PRT. This success has led to Greater Anglia extending the PRT solution across the rest of their TVM fleet.

“It is great to work with an innovative ticketing partner like Scheidt & Bachmann and we were pleased to take part in the trial.

It reflects its success that we are now extending the PRT solution to the rest of our TVMs."

Malcom Cotter

Greater Anglia's Head of Retail Systems

Flexible, seamless integration

Our barcode-based PRT solution can be installed either as a standalone system or in combination with the existing magstripe printer to support journeys that do not current accept barcode tickets. Existing TVMs can be seamlessly upgraded to allow for simple integration with fleets of machines, making the switch to PRT considerably quicker and cheaper.

Eco-friendly design

100% recyclable paper and more affordable plain paper ticket rolls make our solution vastly more sustainable than traditional plastic magstripe tickets. S&Bs ticket supplying partner were able to produce a specially developed paper with one of the leading international paper mills, creating a unique product, lighter in weight than magstripe tickets, whilst offering excellent performance in the TVM.

Reliable and efficient

The newly developed printer delivers high performance and reliability, and with fewer moving parts, it requires less maintenance. In combination with 90% greater ticket stock capacity per roll compared to magstripe systems, the TVM are refilled less frequently, leading to a more cost-effective operation.

TVM Application

To meet the changing needs of both the operator and passenger alike, we have developed a new TVM Application to modernise the ticketing experience whilst maximising the investment already made in the TVM.

For the last 2 years, development on the new TVM Application enables and encourages channel shift from the ticket office, by enhancing the features available on the TVM, whilst providing a purchasing experience like that online, with innovative features for future industry needs.

Innovative functions

Passengers can now enjoy a more comprehensive and intuitive service with our newly enhanced TVM Application. Incorporating functionality such as journey planning capability, enables new features to be readily accessible through a user-friendly interface. For example, seat reservations and advanced fare purchase make preparing for a journey ahead of time much easier, resulting in a stress-free passenger experience.

Easy to use

By simplifying the presentation of the complex National Rail fare system and offering the best value fare through live travel information, we improve the passenger experience, making ticket purchases at Ticket Vending Machines better, thus providing passengers confidence that they are purchasing the most appropriate ticket.

Perfectly prepared for the future

The TVM Application is based on a modern technology platform which allows for more agile development, and so can meet the changing industry needs quicker. As the industry adapts, so can the application, and sales and support through this low-cost retailing channel can enable operational improvements and efficiencies for operators and their retail teams.