The UK ferry industry’s first automated ticket gates have been installed on operator Wightlink’s foot passenger route between Portsmouth Harbour and Ryde Pier Head.
The investment is aimed at making journeys easier and more convenient for foot passengers, especially those with a combined rail and FastCat e-ticket.
The system, supplied by Vix Technology, recognises multiple ticket types, including rail tickets with barcodes or QR codes, Wightlink barcode tickets, passes, and tickets on smartphones.
They are also equipped to accept future ticket types as systems evolve.
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Wightlink director of IT and transformations, Stuart James, said: “We are always looking at how to improve our customers’ journey through our ports and these gates make it easier for people with a combined rail and FastCat e-ticket.
“With Vix, we designed a bespoke solution, so the rail and ferry ticketing systems would work together.
“To ensure our customers get the full benefit of this simpler experience, we trained all colleagues who are based at our ports in their operation and invested in customer communications.”
Since the new smart gates were switched on in May, more than 100,000 passengers have reportedly used them, 11,000 of these using barcode e-tickets.
Innovations and achievements in transportation will be highlighted and celebrated at the second annual Robotics & Automation Awards on 06 November 2024 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Visit www.roboticsandautomationawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable industry event – and to book your table!
