The transformation of regional rail ticket distribution is underway, with regions already implementing the first visible changes for regional trains (TER), such as the new regional
Automatic Ticket Vending Machines in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, currently being tested in six stations.
One of the major benefits of this transformation will be to enable better integration of different public transport modes within regions.
Thus, tickets for regional trains, regional buses, long-distance territorial trains (TET), and urban transport – depending on the strategic choices made by each region – will be buyable in a complementary way, via unified baskets rather than solely as separate transactions.
This raises the challenge of interoperability between regions: ensuring that the various regional distribution systems enable seamless journeys between regions, from ticket purchase through to customer service and revenue allocation.
This is the mission entrusted to Metrolys by Régions de France, with support from the French Transportation Ministry (DGITM agency).
Interviews conducted with all regions and DGITM have made it possible to establish a detailed overview of existing distribution systems (mobile applications and ticketing systems) and target systems (2030), representing a first of its kind.
Together with Cédric Morel (Atoumod, public organisation for ticketing solution for the Normandy region) and Claire Heidsiek (Grand Est Region), we had the pleasure of presenting the conclusions of the “Interoperability between regions” study during the round table “Interoperability of transport ticketing systems”, organised by Pierre Gréau from Cerema, as part of the annual Mobil’in Pulse conference.
The main stakes identified by this study, and now being addressed to enable seamless mobility between regions, are the following:
- The media and formats of tickets issued for interregional travel
- Validation policies
- The calculation of interregional revenue allocation
- Access to fare and offer inventories
- Customer service (after-sales support) accessible to users in neighbouring regions
- Access to the full range of services, including TGV and Intercités (IC) offers