A survey of current trends in smartphone based payment and validation services for public transport users

Abstract

Public transport industry is currently facing new challenges. Traditional payment and ticket validation systems are being replaced by others relying in new technologies like mobile devices. These allow the integration of several services such as providing real‐time information, timetables, maps, payments, and users' interaction, which enhances the overall customer experience. Furthermore, the regular suppliers of public transport like ticketing companies and ticket machines merchants are being replaced by banks and mobile operators in the public transport supply chain. This paper aims to describe the current approaches of public transport service delivery process as well as existing problems. It then summarizes the existing technologies and services that have been made available for mobile payments. Additionally, benefits of the smartphones over traditional ticketing solutions are presented, from the customers and the public transport providers' perspectives. Finally it is proposed a new payment and validation model based on location‐based ticketing provided by a mobile phone. This model intends to represent a vision of the future of travelling experience