It was reported recently by the FT that passenger numbers on Britain’s railways have increased sharply in the past six months. According to research by the Rail Delivery Group, the UK experienced the highest growth in demand across the continent compared to other European countries.

Rail Passengers Hit Record Numbers

It was reported recently by the FT that passenger numbers on Britain’s railways have increased sharply in the past six months. According to research by the Rail Delivery Group, the UK experienced the highest growth in demand across the continent compared to other European countries.

The figures point to rail passengers taking more than 140,000 additional journeys per day in the first six months of 2014. This is good news for Train Operating Companies (TOCs) as it will mean higher revenues compared to previous years and points to a significant increase in demand for rail travel in the UK.

In terms of technology and infrastructure, it will be interesting to see how investment in these areas is affected by this increase in revenue. Investing in technology has the ability to offer a ROI and open up new revenue streams, meaning that long run profits will also improve, and not just be maximised in the short-to-medium term.

This is a great opportunity for TOCs to ensure that they are investing in improving their customers’ experience and safeguarding profits while rail travel is firmly in the public spotlight.

Intelligently deployed technology has the ability to simultaneously manage stock and replenish items at the click of a button, also allowing the operator to quickly take payment in a customer friendly and PCI compliant manner. This is crucial to maximising revenue and improving customer experience. Solutions which benefit both the customer and operator will become increasingly more popular as TOCs look to future proof their on-board offering through the use of technology.

More Blogs
Why your customers need self scan ticketing right now!

With the advent of retail self-scan machines, and onboard smartcard readers for public transport, today’s customers and passengers are increasing being afforded the liberty they have demanded to manage their own purchasing and payment experience. And mobile ticketing and EPoS systems are no exception.

How to Prevent Theft with your Point of Sale System

Theft can represent a major breach of trust, and also cost businesses a lot of money. The good news is that there are ways of preventing theft from your point of sale (POS) system, and in this post, we take a look at some of them.

LNER Selects ECR Retail Systems for New MPoS System

ECR Retail Systems has been awarded a contract by the London North Eastern Railway (LNER) for its MPoS system, supporting rail crews on the London King’s Cross to Edinburgh route as they provide at-seat services to customers.

Which POS System Should I Use?

Today's electronic point of sale (POS) systems can help businesses to enjoy better security. efficiency and customer service in new ways

How An Effective MPoS System Can Improve Customer Satisfaction

The maxim that the customer is always right applies to retailers, restaurants, travel services and other businesses, even as their traditional customer landscape continues to change drastically. The customer, wherever they are, expects less fuss at the checkout, no waiting for the bill, and no queueing for the only ticket machine at the station.

ECR Retail Systems Launches the GoFree

ECR Retail Systems (ECR), the leading UK-based MPoS specialist, has developed and launched the GoFree, the first compact handheld terminal of its kind, designed specifically for the airline sector and with inbuilt Miura PED.  Incorporating the latest ECR AirPoS technology, the GoFree uses customer data to enhance the passenger and airline crew experience, and is designed to work as part of a full end-to-end airline system.

How Airlines Can Grow By Effective Cabin Crew Incentivisation

Cabin crew are the key contact point between the customer and the airline, managing the face-to-face interactions that can make or break a business’ reputation. But as the passenger begins to expect more from their journey, how can airlines help their staff meet these demands? Simon Pont, CEO of ECR Retail Systems, explains more in International Airport Review

Northern Irish Railways appoint ECR to provide first on-board mobile payment solution

Northern Irish Railways appoint ECR to provide first on-board mobile payment solution

Women in Transport
Ferry Operators 2019
Personalising ancillary sales all the way through to mPOS

Personalising ancillary sales all the way through to mPOS
Personalisation and passenger experience are key. Here’s our analysis as to whether the ancillary payment processes in place are fit for purpose…

ECR Bolsters Airline Expertise with New Recruit

Having worked for the award-winning Emirates Airline as a Flight Attendant and travelling to more than 70 countries, Jade Baker shares her unique experience from her time as Cabin Crew...