How QR Code Train Ticket Systems Can Transform Rail Travel
A QR code train ticket system is an ingenious solution to the tedious process of buying metro tickets.
By combining QR code technology with your existing ticketing systems, you can make rail travel for locals and visitors alike even faster and more secure.
From the advantages of incorporating it into your current operations and the benefits it brings to commuters to investing in the best QR code generator, we explore how a small barcode can change the way you run your railways.
Table of Contents
How does a QR code ticket system work?
QR codes on tickets are digital means of managing access to events, venues, or public transportation. In this case, it manages people’s access to trains.
When people want to buy a train ticket, they can go directly to a booking website where they can choose their destination and pay for the ticket. This ticket will have all the information the passenger and the metro will need, including:
- Ticket number
- Travel date and time
- Departure and arrival stations
The only difference between a normal ticket system and one with a travel QR code is that the latter generates a unique QR code for every ticket.
Operators can decode the information using a train ticket QR code scanner to compare it with the information on their database automatically. Once the information is verified, the ticket holder can use the train’s services.
Benefits of providing commuters with a QR code train ticket
You may be curious about what QR codes can offer to railway operators and the industry as a whole. Well, here are the advantages of integrating QR code technology into train ticket systems:
Make your services environment-friendly
Traditional tickets were always made with paper, which comes from trees. Unfortunately, millions of hectares of forests are cut down every year to produce paper and other materials.
This statistic matters because tickets are only meant to be used once. Since this is the case, why bother printing them only to use them for a brief second before having them thrown into a bin?
By making use of cool QR codes for your train tickets, you help conserve trees while also making your railway system as environment-friendly as you can.
Reduce printing and distribution costs
On the topic of traditional tickets, printing these tickets and setting up the means to give them to travelers can increase your operation’s spending.
Instead of spending money on paper, ink, and printers, you can invest in the best QR code generator so you can create editable and trackable QR codes. With your remaining materials, you can print ads or maps for travelers.
Enhanced security for your tickets
One reason to use QR-coded tickets is their ability to prevent fraud. When it comes to digital tickets, you will need to keep them safe and secure for yourself and anyone traveling on your trains.
Fortunately, QR codes can add this extra layer of security to your tickets. Since each code is unique, duplicating them is difficult and risky. They can also keep others from using expired or counterfeit tickets since your system will know if QR codes for transportation have been used or not.
If you are looking to secure your train tickets further, QR code-generating platforms such as QR TIGER can provide next-level encryption to QR codes.
Successful use cases of QR codes on train tickets
We’ve gone over how useful QR codes can be when combined with train tickets. Now, let’s look at real-life cases where they are put into practice.
Irish Rail’s convenient QR rail tickets
In an effort to be more accommodating to its customers, the Irish railway operator Iarnród Éireann, also known as Irish Rail, incorporated QR codes into its train tickets. The tickets can be purchased at the booking office or online.
The company cited the many benefits the new system will bring to travelers, including:
- No more queuing
- Paperless ticketing
- Contactless ticket validation
At the moment, their train tickets are available as PDFs that can be downloaded or printed. However, the rail operator plans to add an “Add to Wallet” option that will download tickets to the user’s mobile wallet app.
5% discount for group QR-based tickets at the Bengaluru Metro
One of the best innovative uses of QR codes can be found in India. The Namma Metro, also known as the Bengaluru Metro, has a unique QR code ticket system. Aside from implementing QR codes to their tickets, they also offer 5% discounts on group tickets bought for up to 6 passengers. All of these are available through the metro’s official app.
Other railway operators in India are also using a QR code on their tickets. Aside from Namma Metro and Kochi Metro, QR code tickets are also being used in the Delhi Metro, thanks to the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation.
The Mumbai Metro has also incorporated QR code tickets into its operations. Unlike what the Namma and Kochi Metros have done, passengers of the Mumbai Metro have to make use of WhatsApp to purchase their tickets.
Speedy QR code fare payments at Hong Kong’s Mass Transit Railway
One of the main reasons for implementing ticketing systems in train stations is to collect fares. The revenue generated through ticket sales is spent on operating and maintaining the railways.
Naturally, any way to make payments more efficient is a must for any business. An example of a QR code for payment in metros can be found in Hong Kong’s Mass Transit Railway.
By linking their MTR apps to a payment service like AlipayHK, commuters can generate a single-use QR code ticket for themselves. This ticket can then be scanned at the gates to each station before they can get in.
When scanned, they automatically pay using whichever payment service they linked their MTR app to.
QR code tickets for tech-savvy visitors in the Tokyo Metro
In the first quarter of 2020, Tokyo Metro Co. and the Bureau of Transportation launched a service that issued QR code tickets to travelers. Using ticket vending machines, travelers could receive special tickets that gave them access to unlimited rides on all subway lines.
Unfortunately, these tickets are only available to foreigners visiting Japan. The company’s goal was to speed up the process of using subway tickets that they bought through overseas travel agencies.
This system is also an example of using a QR code for ticket validation since these tickets are bought outside Japan.
These tickets are available for purchase on a website dedicated to foreigners seeking to visit the country.
eTicket downloads for passengers at the London Metro
Commuters in the London Underground have been making use of QR codes on their tickets thanks to several companies like c2c and Trainline. These “eTickets” come in PDFs and are sent to users through email after they are purchased through their websites or apps.
What’s more, these tickets can be added to a commuter’s Google or Apply Wallet for the most convenience.
Why should travelers use a train ticket with QR code?
QR codes on train tickets are a much-needed addition to rail travel management systems. However, why should travelers use these tickets over traditional ones? Below are some of the benefits of QR codes to note:
It’s difficult to lose
A train ticket with QR code is difficult to lose since it is always available digitally. Even if you print the train ticket, you can still download a digital one from whichever platform you purchased it from.
They may also have been sent to you through email. As long as you have internet access, you can always download and print it again.
On the other hand, some tickets don’t have to be printed at all. Instead, you can bring your phone and show it to the scanner or to the staff.
No need to line up for tickets
Lining up to get tickets is always a long and tiring process, especially if you can only get them from the station. However, by getting a QR code train ticket, commuters can skip the queue and just purchase one before their trip!
Additionally, entering the station is quick and easy with QR code tickets, as QR codes need only a second to scan.
Receive instant updates
Sometimes, your trip can be canceled or moved due to unforeseen circumstances. When this happens, your ticket may become invalid, which forces you to go through some process to get a new one or get a refund.
This may not be the case when using a train ticket with a QR code. If the code is made with a dynamic QR code generator, then it is very likely to be editable. Meaning the information can be updated in real time without the need to purchase a new one.
Some QR code tickets are stored in a train station app, which makes it easier to receive updates through notifications.
Generate your own ticket QR codes with QR TIGER QR code generator
The adoption of QR code ticketing systems by the railway industry is an example of how QR codes are revolutionizing many aspects of the modern world.
Not only are rail operators saving money through the use of digital tickets, but they have also provided their customers with a smooth travel experience.
A QR code train ticket isn’t the only way railway companies can use QR codes, however. In fact, this collection of light and dark squares has a ton of different applications, provided you have the right platform to generate them. If you’re looking for one such platform, we’re here to serve you.
Our top-of-the-line software provides more than 16 QR code solutions for your needs. It also complies with GDPR rulings and is ISO-certified. If you want to give it a try, we offer a freemium plan that doesn’t require your credit card information.
What are you waiting for? Sign up today to generate up to 3 dynamic QR codes for FREE!
FAQ
How do I get a QR code for my train?
To get a QR code for your trip, you will need to buy a ticket first. Many websites and apps provide this service, so the right platform will depend on your trip.
For example, to buy a ticket for the Kochi Metro in Kerala, India, you would have to use the Paytm se ONDC Network platform.
Can I show my train ticket on my phone?
While train tickets, even those with QR codes, are usually printed, you can scan them from your phone.
To have your QR code scanned, simply display them and show them to the scanner. When doing this, make sure that your screen’s brightness is at maximum so the QR code is clear to see.
Sometimes, the scanner won’t work or is under maintenance. When this occurs, most metros recommend showing your QR code to nearby staff before you can be let through.