Experiences from Electronic Ticketing Experiments supported by the Norwegian Trial Scheme for Public Transport

Electronic ticketing is one of many subjects that have been introduced within the scope of the Norwegian Trial Scheme for Public Transport. The introduction of new electronic ticketing systems is often burdened with malfunctions and other problems. When these initial problems have been solved, operators, employees and passengers consider such systems favourable. Electronic ticketing systems provide the riders and operators with great flexibility in fare and ticket structure. Also the statistical basis for planning purposes may be improved. However, it varies to what extent such opportunities are used. It is important to coordinate the ticketing systems of different operators and for the different public transport modes. Electronic ticketing systems should therefore be based on open interfaces independent of who delivers the systems.