Through its partnership with Unicard, Solent Transport has become the first UK local authority to gain accreditation to sell rail tickets within its mobility-as-a-service (MaaS) travel app, Breeze.
In line with its Future Transport Zone (FTZ) programme, Solent Transport appointed Unicard in 2021 to develop a MaaS-powered app that would improve travel in the region.
Solent Transport’s Breeze app has since offered a smart ticketing solution that makes purchasing tickets easier and more accessible for a range of transport options.
This offering now includes rail travel thanks to Unicard’s Rail Suite platform, which manages the data integrations and certifications required for the app to interface with the Rail Delivery Group’s (RDG) back-office systems.
Conrad Haigh, Solent Transport Manager, said:Solent is one of the UK’s designated FTZs. We have plans to transform access to public transport services in the region with the help of our new Breeze app, developed as a central part of FTZ programme.
We are now taking that vision a step further having achieved rail accreditation as an agent. Solent Transport is proud to deliver rail ticketing for a UK MaaS product, there is still more to come with new products been introduced to the app regularly, as we look to support customers in accessing all forms of transport and travel within our region. Unicard has played a key role in helping us to provide ticketing services that meet the needs of transport providers across the region.
Unicard also provides the necessary support to ensure Solent Transport meets the required standards for accreditation, such as customer care, aftersales and financial reconciliation.
Sean Dickinson, CEO of Unicard, said:The addition of rail accreditation to the Breeze app marks a significant milestone in our long-standing relationship with Solent Transport. Unicard works with local authorities throughout the UK to deliver smart ticketing solutions that meet with their changing transport requirements. On this occasion we were able to draw on our considerable experience and expertise in the rail sector.
