Translink launches ticketing system for Glider bus network

Translink has unveiled its future ticketing system at the launch of the Glider bus rapid transit network in Belfast. The technology will allow riders with more flexible options to pay for journeys, the company says. Riders will be able to pay with cash, smartcard and contactless payment cards, mobile payments, online accounts and Translink smart cards. Flowbird developed the system and a back-office architecture called CloudFare. It is intended to allow administrators to monitor and control ticketing
September 19, 2018 Read time: 2 mins

376 Translink has unveiled its future ticketing system at the launch of the Glider bus rapid transit network in Belfast. The technology will allow riders with more flexible options to pay for journeys, the company says. 

Riders will be able to pay with cash, smartcard and contactless payment cards, mobile payments, online accounts and Translink smart cards. 

Flowbird developed the system and a back-office architecture called CloudFare. It is intended to allow administrators to monitor and control ticketing devices directly, view route performance statistics in real-time, set automatic system alerts, manage passenger accounts and run management reports. 

Additionally, Flowbird has installed 114 self-service retail units at halts along the network, supplied 230 platform validators and provided 45 handheld inspection devices. Passengers can buy tickets, top-up smartcards, collect tickets purchased online and validate journeys before boarding. 

Next year, the ticketing system will be introduced on all Translink Metro and Ulsterbus services, followed by NI Railways in 2020. Riders will also be provided with a customer smartcard portal and online top-ups in 2021. 

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