E-ticket: reality or illusion?

Today there is much talk around the problem of public transport. The citizens of Lviv have a lot of opinions and methods considering this issue, but most locals tend to assume that the solution can be in the introduction of the electronic tickets.
 
Face it, the majority of respondents which are inclined to such thoughts – are young people, therefore, for better understanding of the proposed idea, due to examples of European cities, we can analyze how practical and profitable e-ticket is:
 
"Of course, the big advantage is the e-ticket which we call - Navigo than to pay cash. I pay for the use of all modes of transport. For me it is very convenient because I can put money on ticket on-line using a Bank card, and save time," - says Guillaume Meiresonne, a resident of Paris.
 
Traveling in Europe public transport is quite expensive. However, the price justifies the quality: buses - large and comfortable. The differentiated system of payment for different segments of the population and in relation to the distance of the route.
 
"In Paris children under 4 years do not pay the transport fare, pupils from 4 - 10 years and students up to 26 years are paying the full price.
Although those groups who apply for social assistance from
state, pay for passage on a common basis, they receive compensation of the costs incurred for the use of transport," adds a resident of Paris.
 
For example: Guillaume and other employees of French companies are lucky because the 50% of total amount of the fare per month is paid by the employer – thus he saves 50 €/month.
 
In Britain all kinds of public transport, as in France - are state property, which is a big advantage. Because they care about their citizens and provide a quality conditions.
In London the majority of Englishmen prefer to use public transport, which can quickly and comfortably reach any part of the city. Electronic ticket (in original language Oyster card) here is valid on all modes of transport. In buses you pay one fixed amount, regardless of where you're going. And if you made three trips by bus during the day, then all of the following are not paid.


 
It is interesting that in England there are varieties of electronic tickets:
-for children and adolescents up to 18 years. Passage for them is free, if they will issue a request to get it, in the post office;
- for students of colleges and universities in the age group of 18-25 years, there is a 30% discount on each trip;
-for pensioners over 60 years old, the ticket is free, relevant authorities send the e-ticket for semi-annual or annual use to the owner by mail.
 

"E-ticket is very convenient in use. Theren is no need in constantly serch for cash. It's a relief for drivers, they don't need to count the change, coming off from the road. We can say that they are virtually isolated from the passengers in their booth. The advantages are obvious: the driver during the movement are focused on the road and the traffic rules are observed. Apart, controllers are working, they can come in any stop and check in who paid or not paid the fare. Violators will be fined," says Oliver Berns, a resident of London.

 
As you can see, you should not delay the introduction of the electronic ticket. Another thing is that, its implementation in practice, is just not profitable for someone. That is why we have to endure all the inconvenience in public transport.
 
Expert opinion: the E-ticket will allow the accounting of the passengers, and to establish economic justified tariff for journey, to withdraw cash from the shadows and evaluate rentability rate. And this, in turn, will give the opportunity to replace our minibuses on the buses of European model and, accordingly, will ensure the safety and comfort of passengers.
 
Urge concerned citizens to write comments on this topic and offer their suggestions to solve the transportation issue.


Khrystyna Melekestseva