Mark Gleeson
12-11-2007, 16:48
Iarnrod Eireann developing new stopgap ticketing system
Ken Griffin
IARNROD EIREANN has begun work on developing its own new ticketing system, which will be used in the greater Dublin area, despite the existence of a long-awaited integrated ticketing scheme for Dublin.
Like a similar scheme announced by Dublin Bus in January, the ticketing system will involve 'interim' smartcards, which passengers will be unable to use on other company's services.
The move comes as it emerged this week that the integrated ticketing system, which was originally mooted in 1999, will not become a reality until 2009 at the earliest.
Minister for State Pat 'the Cope' Gallagher told the Seanad this week that the system would be launched on Luas and bus services in August 2009 and would be extended to rail services within the following year.
Despite the delays, Iarnrod Eireann said that its new ticketing system was not intended to be a substitute for integrated ticketing.
"Integrated Ticket is, of course, initially a greater Dublin area project and our national services are working on an outdated ticketing system which needs renewal, " said a spokesman.
He said that the new system would be fully compatible with the integrated ticketing system as all recent ticketing measures introduced by the company had been. These include new ticket gates at major Dublin stations such as Connolly, Tara Street and Docklands.
"The measures involve more than just a smartcard.
A lot of it is about getting software that will give us extra flexibility in terms of introducing new ticketing types and allowing for more promotions, " he said.
Iarnrod Eireann will also look at mobile phone and home-print ticket technology as part of the development of the new system.
A spokesman for Rail Users Ireland said passengers were frustrated with the delays in the launch of the integrated ticketing scheme.
"The key problem is that everyone is minding their own turf. Under a smartcard system, each company would no longer have control over prices because someone independent would have to set them, " he said.
He said there was nothing difficult about implementing a smartcard system, particularly as there was an internationally recognised standard for the cards. "It works in London and there's no reason why it can't be done here."
He added that Iarnrod Eireann's decision to install a new system could be a step in the right direction as the company would have a crucial role to play in the integrated ticketing project.
http://www.tribune.ie/article.tvt?_scope=Tribune/Business/Business%20Week&id=79877&SUBCAT=Tribune/Business&SUBCATNAME=Business
If I'm reading this correctly it sounds like its got nothing to do with smartcards and everything to do with the fancy new yield managed souped up timetable/web sales system for the website
Ken Griffin
IARNROD EIREANN has begun work on developing its own new ticketing system, which will be used in the greater Dublin area, despite the existence of a long-awaited integrated ticketing scheme for Dublin.
Like a similar scheme announced by Dublin Bus in January, the ticketing system will involve 'interim' smartcards, which passengers will be unable to use on other company's services.
The move comes as it emerged this week that the integrated ticketing system, which was originally mooted in 1999, will not become a reality until 2009 at the earliest.
Minister for State Pat 'the Cope' Gallagher told the Seanad this week that the system would be launched on Luas and bus services in August 2009 and would be extended to rail services within the following year.
Despite the delays, Iarnrod Eireann said that its new ticketing system was not intended to be a substitute for integrated ticketing.
"Integrated Ticket is, of course, initially a greater Dublin area project and our national services are working on an outdated ticketing system which needs renewal, " said a spokesman.
He said that the new system would be fully compatible with the integrated ticketing system as all recent ticketing measures introduced by the company had been. These include new ticket gates at major Dublin stations such as Connolly, Tara Street and Docklands.
"The measures involve more than just a smartcard.
A lot of it is about getting software that will give us extra flexibility in terms of introducing new ticketing types and allowing for more promotions, " he said.
Iarnrod Eireann will also look at mobile phone and home-print ticket technology as part of the development of the new system.
A spokesman for Rail Users Ireland said passengers were frustrated with the delays in the launch of the integrated ticketing scheme.
"The key problem is that everyone is minding their own turf. Under a smartcard system, each company would no longer have control over prices because someone independent would have to set them, " he said.
He said there was nothing difficult about implementing a smartcard system, particularly as there was an internationally recognised standard for the cards. "It works in London and there's no reason why it can't be done here."
He added that Iarnrod Eireann's decision to install a new system could be a step in the right direction as the company would have a crucial role to play in the integrated ticketing project.
http://www.tribune.ie/article.tvt?_scope=Tribune/Business/Business%20Week&id=79877&SUBCAT=Tribune/Business&SUBCATNAME=Business
If I'm reading this correctly it sounds like its got nothing to do with smartcards and everything to do with the fancy new yield managed souped up timetable/web sales system for the website