Warrnambool Bus Lines launches tikpay’s transport ticketing and payments solution
Warrnambool Bus Lines (WBL) has implemented tikpay’s true account-based ticketing and payments solution, making transport seamless for public transport users in the region.
Among other new features, travellers will now be able to pay for public transport with unassisted ticketing, whereby a traveller simply taps-on and off public transport with a contactless payment card or a digital wallet (Visa / Mastercard). WBL is leading the way by adopting innovative technology and seizing the opportunity to implement a next-generation system that offers travellers a superior transport ticketing and payment experience.
tikpay’s solution incorporates Transportme as the driver console provider, Westpac as the acquirer and Cybersource as the payment gateway. It has been implemented on all of WBL’s scheduled bus routes as well as inter-town buses, helping to improve community connectivity.
“We are proud to be working with innovative Australian start-ups, tikpay and Transportme, to provide giant leaps in convenience and world-class payment options to our customers. Get on board and try it out!” says Sam Lucas, Managing Director, Warrnambool Bus Lines.
Here’s what Warrnambool Bus Lines' travellers have access to:
Unassisted ticketing
Assisted ticketing
Concession registrations
Card as Credential
Convenient
Best available fare
Improved information
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Easy implementation
Optimising operator costs
Enabling growth
Delighting travellers
Successful roll-out: Our solution was first rolled out on two buses. This successful test paved the way for a full implementation across the remaining scheduled and inter-town bus services, ensuring a smooth, incremental transition with no service disruptions.
Initially low unassisted usage: We observed that usage of unassisted ticketing was low due to a high volume of concession card travellers (approx 90% of all travellers) who were initially unregistered and thus couldn’t access concession fares for travel with their contactless card or digital wallet.
Increase in unassisted ticketing: The low unassisted usage led to targeted programs including outreach initiatives such as pop-ups, on-vehicle and online registrations to encourage travellers to register their concessions and adopt unassisted ticketing. In just one month, unassisted ticketing usage has increased by nearly 200%. This will continue to be a focus area for growth.
High cash usage: Warrnambool Bus Lines has operated as a cash-only bus service since 1920, servicing a regional area where cash usage is typically higher than in urban regions. Nearly 18% of travellers have switched to contactless payments in the four weeks since implementation, and this percentage is still rising.
Positive stakeholder impact: The upgraded solution has positively impacted diverse stakeholders, including local schools, bus drivers, families, tourist offices, and even the mayor’s office.
Positive feedback from drivers: Drivers received comprehensive training and have provided overwhelmingly positive feedback, appreciating how the new solution simplifies their role and enhances safety.
Positive traveller feedback: Warrnambool Bus Lines has received exceptional feedback from travellers who value the ease, speed and flexibility of tikpay’s solution.
Sam Lucas shares, “Tikpay exceeded our expectations in deploying their solution, which is performing above our anticipated standards.”
Expansion plans: With the success of this rollout, Warrnambool Bus Lines is planning to expand tikpay’s solution to additional services including regional coaches, other town services and potentially demand-responsive services.
Boosting unassisted ticketing: We’re working closely with WBL to explore new ways of making concession registration even easier and so increasing unassisted ticketing.
Reducing cash handling: Efforts are underway to further reduce the level of cash payments, and so improve operational efficiencies whilst enhancing safety for drivers and travellers alike.
Warrnambool Bus Lines’ success demonstrates how a regional operator can deliver a premium ticketing experience that is quick to implement, cost-effective, and seamless for travellers.
Learn more about our solution and get in touch at sales@tikpay.com to offer similar benefits to your travellers.
As we introduce tikpay to new operators, we're onboarding limited partners at a time. If you're curious about how tikpay could work for you, or you’d like to know more about supporting our growth, reach out to start the conversation.
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