Ticketing technology specialist Flowbird has continued its longstanding relationship with Northern Ireland coach, bus and rail operator Translink via the installation of touch-screen self-service ticket machines and rail access gates at the new Belfast Grand Central Station.
The multimodal facility represents the biggest public transport infrastructure project on the island of Ireland. Once fully open it will serve as the hub for those services in Northern Ireland and is expected to host more than 20 million passenger journeys per annum.
Also to be provided by Flowbird are new-generation handheld ticketing and inspection devices for the Glider bus rapid transit and rail networks.
All of the technology will interface with the Flowbird CloudFare back-office system, which the supplier says is central to network management, remote asset monitoring, ticketing functions, and delivering multilayered business information for Translink operations.
The operator’s Head of Ticketing William McGookin adds: “The development of our new ticketing system is further transforming public transport in Northern Ireland, offering an enhanced customer experience for everyone.
“The opening of Grand Central Station is an exciting milestone, and the new enhanced ticketing technology will make it even more attractive and easier for more people to use public transport as the smarter travel option, which is good news for the climate and a positive step to a healthier and more active society.”
Flowbird Transport Managing Director David Thompson says that the supplier is pleased to be part of the Belfast Grand Central Station transformation.
“This landmark public transport infrastructure project will deliver a truly world-class integrated station for local people and visitors, easily accessible through a wide range of digital ticketing options for each mode of transport.
“With the technology installed at Grand Central and across the multimodal network, passengers will have more choice than ever before in how they plan, access and pay for travel.”
