MOBILE PRINT IN THE RAIL SECTOR
Empowering rail ticket inspectors with mobile printing technology
Ticket inspectors remain crucial on the UK train network, but face many challenges. Here, Gabriel Kim, head of sales DACH at BIXOLON Europe, discusses the role of mobile printing technology in addressing these challenges and empowering ticket inspectors to carry out their duties.
In the UK railway sector, where more than 1.61 billion journeys were taken between April 2023 and March 2024, the role of ticket inspectors remains crucial. Despite strides towards e-ticketing and digital solutions, there remains a significant demand for physical tickets and receipts, particularly for VAT purposes, overall convenience and peace of mind. But the need to produce physical tickets is set against challenges in the sector, including an imminent staff shortage crisis and the enduring issue of fare evasion in an increasingly congested and pressurised railway network. These issues are not unique to the UK, and are also prevalent across Europe. In the Netherlands, for example, rail companies have been forced to cancel services due to lack of staff. State of play At present, the UK rail sector is grappling with a crippling staff shortage and an impending shortfall of about 75,000 personnel by 2030, through retirement or otherwise.
This shortage not only strains operational efficiency but also places significant pressure on existing railway staff, including ticket inspectors. Trains are becoming busier due to industrial action and service adjustments, similar to trends across Europe. In Germany, for example, local rail services, including S-Bahn, saw a 14% increase in passenger numbers in the first half of 2023 compared to the previous year. In both countries, ticket inspectors find themselves wading through crowded carriages, often standing for prolonged periods, all while needing to swiftly validate tickets and issue essential receipts to those that require them. Furthermore, the prevalence of fare evasion adds complexity to their responsibilities. Inspectors must not only verify the tickets of passengers efficiently but also address instances of fare dodging promptly and effectively. This demands vigilance and specialised tools to ensure accuracy and speed in their duties. A report by the Rail Delivery Group estimates that fare dodging costs the UK rail industry £240 million per year – highlighting the severity of the problem. The rise in fare evasion underscores the necessity for inspectors to be equipped to issue new tickets and penalty notices on the spot. This also serves as a deterrent to further fare dodging and recoups lost revenue. Mobile printing solutions To meet these challenges, mobile printing technology has emerged as a powerful solution. Equipping ticket inspectors with compact, lightweight mobile printers enables them to significantly enhance their capabilities. These devices are able to
Gabriel Kim head of sales DACH
bixoloneu.com
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