--- description: Reasons why public transport is moving to mobile ticketing: Enhanced customer journey, cost reduction, and simplified infrastructure. title: Building Smarter Transit Systems, One Mobile Ticket at a Time - Energy Theory image: https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Building-Smarter-Transit-Systems-One-Mobile-Ticket-at-a-Time-1.jpg --- [ Close Menu ](#) * [About](https://energytheory.com/about-us/) * [EV](https://energytheory.com/category/electric-vehicles/) * [FAQs](https://energytheory.com/category/faqs/) * [Glossary](https://energytheory.com/category/glossary/) * [Green](https://energytheory.com/category/green/) * [Renewable](https://energytheory.com/category/renewable/) * [Sustainable](https://energytheory.com/category/sustainable/) * [Energy Economy](https://energytheory.com/category/energy-economy/) * [Energy Services](https://energytheory.com/category/energy-services/) * [Solar](https://energytheory.com/category/solar/) * [Sustainable](https://energytheory.com/category/sustainable/) * [News](https://energytheory.com/category/latest-news/) * [Language](#) [ ![Energy Theory](https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/2e3rtgthghnm.png) ](https://energytheory.com/ "Energy Theory") ![en](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/en.svg)English [![es](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/es.svg) Spanish](#) [![fr](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/fr.svg) French](#) [![en](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/en.svg) English](#) [![it](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/it.svg) Italian](#) [![zh-CN](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/zh-CN.svg) Chinese (Simplified)](#) [![nl](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/nl.svg) Dutch](#) [![fi](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/fi.svg) Finnish](#) [![de](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/de.svg) German](#) [![hi](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/hi.svg) Hindi](#) [![ja](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/ja.svg) Japanese](#) [![pl](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/pl.svg) Polish](#) [![pt](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/pt.svg) Portuguese](#) [![ru](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/ru.svg) Russian](#) [ ![Energy Theory](https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/2e3rtgthghnm.png) ](https://energytheory.com/ "Energy Theory") ![en](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/en.svg)English [![es](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/es.svg) Spanish](#) [![fr](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/fr.svg) French](#) [![en](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/en.svg) English](#) [![it](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/it.svg) Italian](#) [![zh-CN](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/zh-CN.svg) Chinese (Simplified)](#) [![nl](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/nl.svg) Dutch](#) [![fi](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/fi.svg) Finnish](#) [![de](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/de.svg) German](#) [![hi](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/hi.svg) Hindi](#) [![ja](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/ja.svg) Japanese](#) [![pl](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/pl.svg) Polish](#) [![pt](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/pt.svg) Portuguese](#) [![ru](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/ru.svg) Russian](#) [Articles](https://energytheory.com/category/articles/) # Building Smarter Transit Systems, One Mobile Ticket at a Time Mobile ticketing revolutionizes public transportation, enhancing accessibility, efficiency, and user experience. By [Olivia Bolt](https://energytheory.com/author/olivia%5Fbolt/)November 17, 20236 Mins Read ![reasons why public transport is moving to mobile ticketing](https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Building-Smarter-Transit-Systems-One-Mobile-Ticket-at-a-Time-1-1024x683.jpg "Building Smarter Transit Systems, One Mobile Ticket at a Time") Mobile ticketing solutions play a crucial role in shaping the future of public transportation. They are not just data, but catalysts for efficiency, accessibility, and sustainability in modern transit systems. Let us today discover the reasons why public transport is moving to mobile ticketing and how they pave the way for a smarter and more accessible transit future. **What is mobile ticketing?** This refers to **the process** of buying, using, receiving, maintaining, or managing tickets through the official mobile app. This includes **using features like passbook or wallet on a mobile device**, the ticket agent app, or other approved digital methods. The account holder can access their account profile on the mobile ticketing platforms. ## **Reasons Why Public Transport Is Moving to Mobile Ticketing** More people now live in cities than outside. By 2050, nearly 70% of the population will live in cities. This is causing problems with city infrastructure and transportation, leading to overcrowding and congestion that affects residents, visitors, and businesses. Cities all around the world are grappling with the consequences of their own triumph. This is evident in developed markets, where people are opting to return to cities rather than settling in the suburbs, as well as in emerging markets, where individuals are leaving rural areas in favor of thriving urban hubs. The long-term benefits that the transport authority and the entire city will receive are even more essential. By reducing cash handling costs, a larger portion of investment can be diverted towards improving transportation infrastructure and enhancing services for commuters in the future. Here is a list of factors that motivate transit agencies worldwide to transition to mobile ticketing. #### **1\. Expanding Transit Uses** [MIFARE® 2GO](https://www.mifare.net/en/products/mobile-solutions/mifare-2go/) promotes growth and innovation for new businesses, enabling transit agencies to maintain a competitive edge. Furthermore, it offers **lucrative additional sales channels** with the potential to boost revenue and engage customers with interactive content. With its seamless expansion capabilities, transit agencies can effortlessly expand their services, meeting the demands of their patrons. MIFARE 2GO **allows** **secure access** to various private locations such as hotel rooms, offices, and universities. It can also be used for contactless access at festivals and stadiums. Additionally, it **supports mobile reward programs** for customer loyalty. #### **2\. Improved Customer Journey** Mobile tickets can be easily **accessed and recharged** through integration with mobile wallets like Google Pay. Users can simply **tap their compatible NFC-enabled** Android phone to enter the system, without needing to unlock the screen. This allows riders to move quickly and efficiently. In addition to fare payments, commuters can use mobile-ticketing-related services to access real-time route information, manage their accounts, and more, all through trusted services like Google Pay. Mobile ticketing improves public transport and works well with **smart-card-based transit systems**. NXP offers the MIFARE 2GO solution, which digitizes traditional transit passes, allowing them to be used on [NFC-enabled mobile devices](https://www.nxp.com/products/security-and-authentication/secure-service-2go-platform/mifare-2go:MIFARE2GO). This brings transit authorities into the digital age. #### **3\. Lower Operating Costs** Upgrading to mobile ticketing can be a cost-effective way for transit authorities to invest in the infrastructure, considering that **ongoing maintenance costs** are a significant part of their operating budget. Mobile ticketing reduces costs for ticket distribution because staff **no longer need to handle cash or collect paper bills and coins**. Instead, ticket sales can be done online. In addition, contactless ticket entry machines, which utilize tap-and-go technology, generally have a **reduced number of mechanical components** compared to machines that read tickets through magnetic stripes, barcodes, or QR codes. Therefore, breakdowns are minimized and maintenance costs for the reader infrastructure are significantly lower, particularly in expansive transit systems. #### **4\. Quick and scalable time-to-market.** Transit agencies can utilize MIFARE® 2GO as a solution that leverages their existing MIFARE product-based infrastructures, enabling them to **fast-track their time-to-market and seamlessly integrate mobile capabilities**. Through a streamlined onboarding process and comprehensive technical support on infrastructure and backend systems, these agencies can achieve quick and efficient deployment within a remarkable timeframe of 3 to 6 months. Transit agencies can **integrate multiple OEMs and reach more consumers** with Android phones supporting NFC. To promote widespread usage, it is important to have a strong security system. One way to achieve this is by using a tamper-resistant secure element (SE) alongside a cloud-based solution. #### **5\. Simpler Infrastructure Updates** Mobile ticketing is more convenient and cost-effective than legacy ticketing formats. It **doesn’t require constant connection to backend offices and uses a smaller network that is easier and cheaper to update**. Mobile ticketing networks are efficient and easily updated, eliminating the need for transit agencies to deal with complex updates to old systems. Updating the existing reader infrastructure can prove to be a costly endeavor and place significant strain on the limited funding available for public services. ### **Benefits of Smart Public Transportation System** Smart transportation involves incorporating advanced technologies such as cloud computing, wireless communication, location-based services, and computer vision into the transportation system, creating a seamless and efficient network. For example: * Advanced Traffic Management Systems * Autonomous Vehicles * Scannable Transit Cards Smart transportation is gaining popularity in major cities worldwide, and experts predict a 7% growth rate from 2021 to 2028\. It is evident that smart transportation is here to stay and will play a crucial role in the development of technologies such as autonomous vehicles and smart cities. #### **1\. Enhanced Security Measures** Smart transportation increases safety by **re-routing traffic away from emergency vehicles and providing updates on hazards and speed limits.** 5G infrastructure enables smart vehicles to receive regular updates on traffic, weather, and safety. In the future, autonomous vehicles could use 5G networks for better communication with other vehicles, improving data accuracy. License plate readers can enhance safety by cooperating with law enforcement to apprehend criminals, track vehicles in pursuit, and swiftly locate missing children. #### **2\. Improved traffic routes** Smart transportation revolutionizes traffic routes by **utilizing both real-time and historical data**. Sensors and cameras detect accidents and share details with motorists and emergency teams to keep traffic flowing efficiently. Smart sensors on the road measure snow and ice, helping drivers prioritize routes and warning drivers of changing weather. #### **3\. Improved Traffic Signals and Laws** Smart transportation adds signs and signals to a private mobile network, **allowing quicker changes based on real-world conditions.** AI can analyze weather, road conditions, and traffic to control enforcements. For instance, if ice forms on a freeway, AI informs the transportation department and reduces speed limit by 20 mph. **Recommended**: [How Long Does an Electric Car Battery Last While Driving?](https://energytheory.com/how-long-does-an-electric-car-battery-last-while-driving/) Share. 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She takes part in environmental conservation by recycling and avoiding single-use plastic. #### Related Posts [![What are common mistakes with smart city projects](https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/What-are-common-mistakes-with-smart-city-projects-300x200.webp "Avoiding Smart City Mistakes – Learning From the Past")](https://energytheory.com/avoiding-smart-city-mistakes-10800/ "Avoiding Smart City Mistakes – Learning From the Past") #### [Avoiding Smart City Mistakes – Learning From the Past](https://energytheory.com/avoiding-smart-city-mistakes-10800/) November 18, 2023 [![building the scaling community five questions](https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Scaling-Community-Technology-300x200.jpg "Scaling Community Technology")](https://energytheory.com/scaling-community-technology-11677/ "Scaling Community Technology") #### [Scaling Community Technology](https://energytheory.com/scaling-community-technology-11677/) November 17, 2023 [![Three Keys to Energy Transformation](https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Three-Keys-to-Energy-Transformation-300x200.webp "Fixing the Plane in Mid-air Three Keys to Energy Transformation")](https://energytheory.com/fixing-the-plane-in-midair-three-keys-to-energy-transformation-15177/ "Fixing the Plane in Mid-air Three Keys to Energy Transformation") #### [Fixing the Plane in Mid-air Three Keys to Energy Transformation](https://energytheory.com/fixing-the-plane-in-midair-three-keys-to-energy-transformation-15177/) November 17, 2023 [Add A Comment ](#) Leave A Reply [Cancel Reply](https://energytheory.com/building-smarter-transit-systems-12389/#respond) Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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