Print in the Channel - issue #21

MOBILE PRINT IN THE RAIL SECTOR

CONTINUED

point of sale allows inspectors to maintain a continuous presence throughout the train, thereby improving passenger interaction and reducing the likelihood of fare evasion. Speed of printing is important because passengers don’t want to wait around if they need a ticket to be printed fast by conductors – in the event that this does happen, it can cause some passengers to behave rudely and inappropriately. Therefore, fast printing, in some circumstances, can help to reduce the abuse that rail staff sadly experience on a daily basis. Another important point related to these kinds of printers is that they need to be rugged. Traveling around train stations and between trains sees these tools and pieces of equipment pitted against hard wearing environments, seeing them take on a variety of spills and knocks. Therefore, it’s important that printers and their related equipment can withstand the rail environments that this sort of equipment operate within. Conclusion The integration of mobile printing technology represents a significant advancement in enhancing the efficacy and safety of rail ticket inspectors. By addressing the challenges posed by staff shortages, overcrowded trains, and fare evasion through innovative solutions, the use of mobile printing devices empowers inspectors to perform their duties with greater ease and confidence. As the UK and other European countries navigate the ongoing challenges in public transportation, it is crucial to continue investing in technologies that optimise operational processes while prioritising the wellbeing of frontline staff. By embracing mobile printing technology, rail companies and ticket inspectors can bridge the gap between traditional ticketing methods and modern efficiency standards, while at the same time improving safety and reducing illegal fare dodging. Armed with the right tools and technology, we can ensure that railways remain resilient and responsive to passenger needs.

seamlessly integrate and connect with existing point of sale systems, facilitating real-time ticket issuance and receipt printing across diverse operational environments, both online and offline. All this is supported by a strong and long-lasting battery life across devices. Mobile printing technology is also important because it allows for greater flexibility and customisation in ticketing. Inspectors can print a variety of ticket types and formats on demand, ensuring that all necessary information is captured and printed accurately. This adaptability not only enhances the efficiency of the ticket issuance process; but also improves the overall passenger experience by reducing wait times and ensuring clear, legible tickets and receipts. This is necessary during journeys where honest, well-meaning passengers need to be able to pay for tickets quickly in situations where they might need to get off the train and move onto the next part of their journey, or just depart the train following the attendance of the conductor. Enhanced mobility and safety Another key benefit of mobile printing technology is its ability to enhance the mobility and safety of ticket inspectors. These devices are designed to be lightweight and compact, making them easy to carry around on belts or harnesses and operate in crowded train environments. For inspectors who often stand for long periods, the ergonomic design of lightweight mobile

By embracing mobile printing technology, rail companies and ticket inspectors can bridge the gap between traditional ticketing methods and modern efficiency standards... “ ”

BIXOLON SPP-R200III

printers helps to reduce the physical strain of the job. Additionally, the ability to print

tickets and receipts on the go fast without having to return to a fixed

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