How do you purchase your ticket?
There used to be a time when you could only buy a ticket face-to-face, exchanging hard-earned money, hand-to-hand, receiving a ticket and travelling to your destination. I’m by no means saying those days are gone, but all around the world these exchanges are definitely getting few and far between.
First it was the credit card, taking away the need for a physical exchange of cash. Then it was the ticket machine, taking away the need for human interaction all together. This was then followed by the growing use of the internet and the inevitable adoption of e-commerce as online sales of train tickets grow and grow. This was seen as a good business and companies such as redspottedhanky have looked to capitalise on the growing trend of online sales. This will to use technology to capitalise on trends brings us to “the next big thing.” The app.
Apps had already been developed to allow smart phones to be used as a device for trading stocks or looking out for the best deals at nearby restaurants and then rail aggregators, such as the Trainline saw a niche in the market and duly took advantage of it, offering a functional and useable free App which provides the user with the option for ticketless travel.
So not only have we removed the need for face to face interaction and the exchange of hard cash, but new technology in the western world has also negated the need for tickets!
I am a huge fan of buying tickets online, you miss the queues (and if it’s an early morning train you get that extra 10minutes in bed!) but what do you prefer? Will you book online like me? Or will you use your shiny new iPhone app? Are you a traditionalist who purchases their tickets in the station before travel? Or what about buying from your local travel agent?
