Civitas Measures

Measure

On street ticket vending machines

The use of driver-only operation together with the introduction of a comprehensive range of ticket types has led to increased dwell times at bus stops, particularly in the city centre. This in turn has caused delays to scheduled journeys and to traffic congestion in the vicinity of bus stops which reduces air quality at those locations.

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Objectives / Innovative Aspects

Traditionally the majority of passengers using bus services in Norwich and many other UK cities have purchased their ticket from the driver on boarding. This project will be innovative in delivering the first comprehensive solution for roadside bus ticket sales suitable for the deregulated environment applicable in the UK outside London.

The Measure

Roadside ticket vending machines (TVMs), with networked communications links to remote monitoring and revenue management systems. TVMs will offer the full range of single, return and day tickets for travel within the greater Norwich area and destinations beyond. The TVMs will enable customers to choose between different operators and tariffs when buying a ticket. TVMs will accept cash and give change. They will also be capable of accepting bank notes from the outset and there are plans to introduce payment using bank cards. 16 ticket vending machines will be installed at locations including Norwich Bus Station, Norwich Railway Station, Castle Meadow, St Stephens Street, Red Lion Street, University of East Anglia, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital. Servers for remote monitoring and revenue management systems to be located at County Hall.

Related Measures

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Implementation Status

We have purchased 16 ticket machines from ICA GmbH in Germany. These are state-of-the-art touch screen machines capable of handling up to 10 operators, a variety of fare structures and tariffs, can accept payment by coins and notes and give change. At present, 15 machines are installed in the following locations: Hospital (1), UEA (1), Bus Station (2), St Stephens Street (4), Red Lion Street (1), Theatre Street (1), Castle Meadow (4) and Norwich rail station (1). The location of the final machine is being finalised and should be installed by the end of July 2008. Various updates have been made to the software following feedback from customers, which makes the machines easier to use with greater functionality.

Results

Initial findings indicate that dwell times at bus stops have decreased and the contribution of the ticket machines in causing this is being evaluated. The machines have generally performed reliably and use of the machines has increased steadily since they were installed. Good quality data is now available on passenger travel patterns and we have hosted numerous visits from other transport authorities and operators.

Downloads

Full Evaluation

Full Evaluation Report - On street ticket vending machines (pdf)