Fast and easy train ticketing

Atos Worldline, the European expertise of the Atos Origin Group in electronic payments & transactions, has been chosen by Thalys International to continue the development of its multi-channel customer services. With this new contract to extend ticketless ticketing to all customers, Thalys International has reaffirmed its confidence in Atos Worldline, which is already global prime contractor for the Cybelys customer loyalty program. The solution developed by Atos Worldline enables Thalys International, a trailblazer in electronic ticketing in Europe, to deepen customer relationships and introduce innovative services that greatly enhance the passenger experience.

Ticketless ticketing, an exciting new dimension in passenger service

Introduced in 2003, the Cybelys loyalty program supported trials of the first paperless rail transport service in Europe.

As global prime contractor for the project, Atos Worldline developed and now operates the electronic ticketing system for Thalys International. The ticketless solution employs dedicated wireless PDA and anti-fraud technologies. Conductors are equipped with on-train PDAs to check passenger identity and travel data against information in the reservations system. The paperless ticketing information is transmitted via contact or contactless identity cards and partner cards.

Following the enthusiastic response to the ticketless system, Thalys International asked Atos Worldline to de-link it from the loyalty program, making paperless travel available to all Thalys passengers in Europe.

The ticketless system enables travel to any Thalys destination without a paper ticket. Travelers also receive email and SMS alerts in the event of disruptions in the train service schedule. The system enables Thalys International to address emerging sustainable development issues, while increasing customer satisfaction.

“Following the tremendous success of our first paperless tickets, we decided to partner again with Atos Worldline to take this strategic initiative to a new level,” says Laurent Lenoir of Thalys. “The solutions developed by Atos Worldline further sharpen the image of Thalys as an innovator and trailblazer.”

Atos Worldline will participate at this year’s Passenger Terminal Expo in London from 24 to 26 March 2009. Present on booth “2052”, Atos Worldline will showcase its latest innovation and proven expertise for the transport industry, with a focus on its awarded mobile boarding pass solution for airlines, which allows travellers to check in and receive their boarding pass directly on their mobile phones.