Position Paper to W3C-WAP Workshop
Submitted by the Department of Geoinformation, Technical University, Vienna, Austria


Title: Integrating non frequent users in public transport (via GSM ticketing)

Abstract:
The paper-format ticket dominates today's public transport ticketing transactions.  While the traveler is still loaded with the hand to hand or machine to hand ticket issuing burden, the technology has taken giant individual leaps towards eliminating the problem. 

The Department of Geoinformation, TU Wien is currently working in a proposal for implementing an integrated GSM ticketing system in order to facilitate the issuing and control of the ticketing process through the cellular phone.  The system will provide the traveler with the means for acquiring and purchasing tickets in a user friendly and comfortable way.  As part of this goal, the financial security of the electronic exchange should be guaranteed to the fullest extend.

While assessing the potential cost effects for all relevant parties (travelers, controllers, operators, financial services, and telecommunication providers), the current technological achievements will be considered during the conception and design of the system. 

The public transport, banking/credit, and telecommunication sectors will be brought together to ensure the adoption of interoperability measures and thus functionality and transferability across platforms.  The prototype will be demonstrated over a six-month period in a number of European cities utilizing a respective exchange of travelers.  The system will be evaluated through a cost benefit analysis, and will also include a package on promotion measures.


Positioning Information Needs:
Identify means and procedures for achieving information on a travelers position

Expected Workshop Output:
Evaluate available means used in identifying a travelers position including: GPS, GSM, visual and auditive interface, etc.

Department of Geoinformation, TU Wien Contribution:
The Department of Geoinformation will coordinate a workshop in order to share gained experience and to further the development of ideas on this evolving issue.

Participants: 
Department of Geoinformation, TU Vienna, Austria (Dr. Andrew Frank); Ericsson, Sweden; Wiener Linien, Austria; and others. 






D:\user\ticketing\W3C-WAPposition papert.txt 20-Dec-99