Payment solution provider Flowbird has implemented advanced ticketing systems at Belfast’s new Grand Central Station, providing support for the region’s largest public transport infrastructure project.
The new multimodal concourse, which is operated by Translink and expected to accommodate up to 20 million passenger journeys annually, serves as a central hub for integrated bus, coach and rail services.
The station connects Belfast with the rest of Northern Ireland and provides cross-border links to the Republic of Ireland.
Flowbird, a long-term technology partner of Translink, has installed and configured rail access gates and touchscreen self-service ticket vending machines at the station.
The new facility, featuring 26 bus stands and eight rail platforms, is designed to increase capacity for both local and cross-border travel.
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In addition to the station infrastructure, Flowbird has provided new handheld ticketing and inspection devices for onboard customer service teams, which will be used on trains and for ticket sales and validation on the Glider Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system.
These systems are integrated with the Flowbird CloudFare back office, which supports network management, remote asset monitoring, and ticketing operations, and provides detailed business information for Translink.
William McGookin, Translink’s head of ticketing, said: “Our new ticketing system is designed to enhance public transport in Northern Ireland by improving the customer experience.
“The opening of Grand Central Station is a significant development, and the new ticketing technology is expected to make public transport more accessible and convenient, supporting environmental and public health goals.”
Bus services have already commenced at Grand Central Station, with rail services set to begin soon.
Achievements and innovations in ticketing and payments will be celebrated at the third annual CiTTi Awards, which will be held on 26 November 2024 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Nominations are open now! Please visit www.cittiawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable event for the UK’s transportation sector
