Mobile phones – on-the-move communications and more

The mobile phone is now a must-have communications tool. But it is also evolving into something more: a mobile hub for accessing information, and even making reservations and purchases – enabling us to carry out everyday tasks, such as buying bus and train tickets, while out and about.

Through electronic ticketing based on mobile phones, local public transportation companies aim to cut costs, minimize cash transactions – and enable customers to buy tickets anytime, anywhere. T-Systems has developed a variety of mobile ticketing solutions within the scope of pilot projects for local transportation networks in Germany.

Mobile services portal

First-generation applications are generally based on SMS/MMS technology – with passengers sending a text message (SMS) to the local-transport company stating their desired route before embarking on their bus or train journey. The company then replies in kind, texting confirmation – and this confirmation doubles up as the actual ticket. Passengers can pay by direct debit or credit card, or have the fare billed to them post-travel.

With T-Systems’ innovative Java-based ticketing solution, a user only has to register once for the mobile service via the transport company’s online portal. The Java app (mobile client) is then loaded onto the user’s mobile phone – for intuitive, menu-driven ticket purchasing while on the move. What’s more, the mobile portal can be used for other services – such as buying cinema, theater or concert tickets, paying for parking, or making hotel reservations. T-Systems offers all of these solutions.

Non-contact ticket purchasing

Now, Near Field Communication (NFC) technology is taking the mobile phone a step further. NFC enables contactless and secure data transmission over a distance of up to ten centimeters. T-Systems is currently working with the Rhine-Main Transport Association (RMV) to develop an NFC-based solution. The passenger holds their mobile phone up to a reader, which automatically captures their point of departure. The passenger then only needs to enter the destination, and the purchase transaction can be completed.