Account Based Ticketing: The Benefits and Drivers for Transit Operators

This paper aims to explore the importance and efficiency of using open payment cards in transit applications as an alternative to current propitiatory cards. This data can be beneficial to transit planners, from regular operation of the transit system down to the long-term strategic planning of the network. This paper covers several aspects of open payment cards in the transit planning context. First, the methods of payments are presented: cash, debit/credit cards, proprietary cards, and mobile payments. Then the several cases where open payments on transit are beneficial. Also reported are open card payment research conducted around the globe. Finally, the most promising online survey is performed to measure the perspective of the rider on using account-based ticketing versus the traditionally closed loop scheme. Mobility and payments are foundations pillars for developing communities and advancing economy [1].