Software
The introduction of the system on the Aachen-Heerlen-Maastricht-Liège line is not complicated technically. “Software must be installed in the check in and check out points on the platforms or in the card reading equipment in the trains, depending on the system finally selected by the three countries. Passengers will also have to obtain a new one-off card and install an app on the telephone. As far as we are concerned, the system can be rolled out rapidly. The transport companies and the public authorities will have to agree on fares, passenger categories and the registration system. It’s now up to them to take the initiative, after which the practical introduction can start.”
Network
The pilot with the cross-border ticketing system has been financed with European funding from the Horizon 2020 program. It’s hardly surprising that ACCEPT Institute is closely involved in the project. “In 2010, we were set up as a foundation with the name Stichting Open Ticketing to solve the security problems relating to the public transport chip card”, says Roel Testroote. “At the same time, we created a European network to share knowledge about travelling systems. We hold conferences and set up projects. We now work together with 15 organisations in Europe and one in Dubai. The pilot in South Limburg is important to us. It could be the launching pad to better international train connections. There are, of course, more border regions where people would like to travel more easily, to study or to work for instance. Uniform ticketing is just as important as connecting rail tracks and adjusting train schedules. I think that our solution will be another step in the right direction.”
Roel Testroote studied at Erasmus University in Rotterdam and subsequently worked as an official at the Ministry of Transport, Public Works and Water Management and held various management positions within Trans Link Systems. In 2010, he was asked to design a new security system for Trans Link Systems after the existing public transport chip card system was hacked.