Published on Intelligent Transport (14 March 2024)
For years, closed loop infrastructures have stood as a beacon of reliability, delivering proven performance and resilience to underpin public transport payments. Existing equipment is robust and enduring, and in many cases far from reaching the end of its lifespan.
However, closed loop systems are by their very nature offline, thereby denying passengers access to the most convenient public transport experience; and Public Transport Operators (PTOs) from achieving maximum ridership and operational cost savings.
This is a particular issue for small and medium-sized PTOs that may struggle to absorb the up-front expenses associated with upgrading closed loop infrastructures.
Fortunately, there is now a way to achieve a seamless payment and ticketing experience; and realize the benefits of online functionality alongside a closed loop system. Pcentra’s revolutionary award-winning and proven solution is the answer.
The Situation
For years, closed loop infrastructures have stood as a beacon of reliability, delivering proven performance and resilience to underpin public transport payments. Existing equipment is robust and enduring, and in many cases far from reaching the end of its lifespan.
However, closed loop systems are by their very nature offline, thereby denying passengers access to the most convenient public transport experience; and Public Transport Operators (PTOs) from achieving maximum ridership and operational cost savings.
This is a particular issue for small and medium-sized PTOs that may struggle to absorb the up-front expenses associated with upgrading closed loop infrastructures.
The Problem
In the current dynamic public transport landscape, small and medium-sized operators face major challenges when modernizing fare collection and operational duties to meet evolving passenger needs. While larger operators may have access to resources for investing in ‘cutting-edge’ technologies, smaller ones can struggle to bridge the gap between their offline systems and an increasingly online world. This disconnect undermines passenger convenience and reduces operational efficiency.
One of the main obstacles for small and medium-sized operators is providing passengers with a simple, intuitive online payment & ticketing experience. Whether the smart card schema is Calypso or MIFARE, passengers often need to rely on inconvenient, outdated processes, such as topping up at stations or attending physical service stations. Similarly, for some operators offering a mobile app or website may seem like a straightforward solution, but this often fails to address the operational complexities related to integrating with existing systems, or the expensive cost of setup. Additionally, in most cases the operator then loses the ability to adjust fares, quantity, type and conditions for receiving a profile. Most importantly, control over the revenue stream is lost.
The Solution
Pcentra recognises the above challenges and offers a transformative solution. By utilizing Pcentra’s innovative remote SAM technology alongside existing infrastructure, serving as a second payments layer enabling operators to bridge the digital gap and provide passengers with seamless online ticketing experiences.
One of the key advantages of Pcentra’s approach is its versatility and ease of use. The system can integrate with any NFC device, enabling a wide range of services for travel cards. This means passengers can top up via desktop, mobile devices, ATMs, APIs, and more. Crucially, the system enables the use of cash as a means of payment, supporting unbanked communities while still keeping cash off of buses and other vehicles.
This unique flexibility ensures that operators can offer the most comprehensive online services to passengers, serving diverse needs and preferences without the need for costly infrastructure upgrades.
Shani Zarian, Country Wide Manager of Service Stations And CS, Kavim* Bus Operator says:
“Having an online payment solution for our travel cards operations has been a game-changer. It has made everything much more efficient, and because everything is online, we’ve cut down on a lot of administrative work. At the end of each month, we receive an organized report. We absolutely recommend this service to other bus operators.”
Additional Benefits
Managing Concessions
Another significant challenge for operators relates to the management of complex concessionary profiles. Presently, passengers often have to endure the burden of gathering documents, spend time traveling and waiting in queues at service stations, and then wait for a (hopefully) successful application response. This presents issues for the public and also the operator, in the form of high operation costs for office rent, expensive hardware and human capital. There is also a major headache in terms of data protection and privacy.
Pcentra offers a straightforward solution to these challenges: a single platform simplifies the process, enabling operators to efficiently handle requests online from any device through the automated and semi-automated system. This boosts workforce productivity and reduces operational expenses associated with request approvals. Remarkably, with just two full-time customer support staff overseeing the entire process, Pcentra ensures a seamless experience that manages over 500K applications annually. Aside from its efficiency and reliability, the solution ensures the maintaining of stringent security measures compliant with the ISO27001 standard and industry best practices.
Lihi Kamhi, Chief of Customer Success, Afikim** Bus Operator says:
“Managing concessions used to be a paperwork nightmare, but with Pcentra, everything is now simplified. Eligible passengers can easily manage concessions online and it has taken a lot of stress off our team. We couldn’t be happier with the results.”
Usability
Pcentra’s solution is incredibly user-friendly, making it accessible to passengers of all demographics. We believe in multi-language, simple – straightforward service, whether it’s tech-savvy commuters or senior citizens seeking simplicity, Pcentra’s intuitive interface and seamless functionality ensure a hassle-free experience for all users. This accessibility has contributed to Pcentra’s success, serving over 1.5 million unique payments every month, and meeting the needs of various passenger segments.
Business Model
Pcentra offers a revolutionary business model which eliminates upfront, installation, and maintenance costs for operators. Unlike traditional payment solutions, Pcentra operates on a transaction-based model, meaning that operators only pay when passengers use the service and derive value from it. This innovative approach aligns Pcentra’s success with that of its operator customers, fostering a mutually beneficial partnership where both parties are incentivized to continually deliver exceptional service.
Conclusion
Pcentra offers a transformative solution for small and medium-sized public transport operators seeking to modernise their fare collection and concession systems. By integrating Pcentra’s innovative Remote SAM technology with existing infrastructure, operators can bridge the digital gap, enhance passenger convenience, and retain control over revenue streams.
Pcentra’s versatility, ease of use, and unique business model enable operators to embrace the future of public transport fare collection while maximizing efficiency and passenger satisfaction. Not only that: the system can be deployed within just six months.
*Kavim operates around 1,500 buses.
**Afikim operates around 840 buses.