Train operator GNER is planning a new rail ticketing system for its travel centres and telesales operations.

The ticketing system will comply with the Association of Train Operating Companies’ Rail Settlement Plan, enabling passenger reservations and revenues to be processed faster and more efficiently between GNER and other train companies.

‘The device will interface with all appropriate systems for fares, timetable and reservation information and will issue standard credit card-sized tickets,’ said GNER in a tender document.

The rail giant wants an IT supplier to design, build and maintain the desktop ticket issuing system, and create a secure interface so it can communicate with credit card payment systems.

The system will also accept chip-and-PIN credit and debit cards in stations and will spool tickets in telesales centres so they can be posted to customers faster.

The train operator is undertaking other IT upgrades as part of a major multi million-pound investment programme. Initiatives include creating an integrated control centre in York, online booking services, and the rollout of 50 self-service ticket machines in stations by December 2007.

GNER is also planning to extend its onboard wireless internet service to all trains by May 2007, working with Swedish wireless specialist Icomera.

GNER was the first UK train line to offer WiFi to passengers after seeing its commercial benefits and attraction to passengers.

Research carried out by the operator showed that one in four passengers would travel more often with GNER if wireless technology was available on its trains (Computing, 4 November 2004).

Rival operator Virgin Trains is also looking to build upon its initial WiFi trials with its Internet to Train project.

The operator wants to work with an IT service provider to offer internet services on key West Coast routes, travelling from London to Birmingham, Liverpool and Manchester.

In addition to providing internet connectivity, Virgin Trains is considering offering entertainment services such as movie downloads and news updates via the service. It also hopes to run business applications through the onboard internet service, including stock ordering and CCTV.