NSW exploring new public transport ticketing methods

Transport for NSW is exploring emerging ticketing technology to make travelling on public transport easier for people with a disability.

The department is evaluating frictionless technology including biometric tools such as facial and voice recognition as an alternative to paying.

Transport for NSW partnered with the iMOVE Cooperative Research Centre as well as La Trobe University’s Centre for Technology Infusion for the project, which also evaluated 5G smartphone-based technologies as well as light detection and ranging (LiDAR) technology.

The study concluded that a significant number of people are having difficulties with the current method of public transport ticketing involving tapping on and off.

“For instance, for people with a mental or physical disability, using public transport can be a stressful experience and concerns about having the right ticket ready and finding access to the platform adds to this stress,” the report into the study states.

From the beginning of 2021 through to September that year, 152 problems were reported about concession cards, with many complaints being serious issues that are preventing people with a disability from travelling on public transport.

In response, the study explored emerging technologies with the potential to deliver a frictionless ticketing experience, allowing travellers to simply walk through ticketing gates and be issued with a ticket automatically.

The study recommended options for further exploration including a phone app using 5G, a token using biometric authentication technologies such as facial recognition, and integration with a wayfinding app using LiDAR.

But the study found that NSW public transport legislation will need to be amended to ensure technological neutrality in transport regulation for the future.

According to iMOVE CRC Managing Director Ian Christensen, the study has highlighted the barriers for people with disability accessing public transport.

“Public transport should be accessible to everyone, yet this is not the case for many PWD. Frictionless ticketing has the potential to improve public transport experiences by not just moving people effortlessly, but also enhancing their journeys,” he said.

Image credit: iStock.com/imamember