Tech event: Retrofitting ticket machines

Retrofit – securing the future instead of replacing

The Montreux – Bernese Oberland Railway (MOB) had to modernise its ticket machines because, on the one hand, the electronics of the existing machines were outdated and increasingly difficult to maintain and, on the other hand, new functions such as contactless payment or paperless tickets needed to be integrated.

Without construction work on site

Raphaël Gabriel, Head of Sales at MOB, explains at the tech event at SCS why MOB decided against new vending machines and instead in favour of retrofitting the existing devices: A complete refit of the stops would have involved considerable costs, construction work and logistical effort. Particularly in alpine regions or at locations frequented by tourists, this would not only have taken up time but also valuable resources.

The retrofit eliminated the need for on-site construction work. The foundation, power supply and housing could continue to be used. Instead of investing in a new steel box, the budget was channelled into modern technology: a new user interface, contactless payment, real-time data connection and paperless ticketing. The reuse of existing components fits in with the strategy of resource-saving mobility.

Technical realisation

Pit Ernster, project manager at SCS, explains at the tech event how the retrofit of the ticket machines was realised. A new, powerful computer was installed and modern payment methods (contactless, TWINT, mobile payment) were integrated. The printing unit was replaced without the machine front having to be mechanically adapted. Only the coin slots were closed because the new machine is cashless. The connection to a backend system enables real-time monitoring and IT security has been tightened to fulfil all cyber resilience requirements. The vending machines look familiar, but have been upgraded and have a completely modernised interior – future-proof and easy to maintain.

More than just vending machines

The retrofit approach does not end with ticket machines. Florian Andritsch, Department Head at SCS, shows how information displays, parking guidance systems and ticket validators in public transport can also be transferred to the digital future through targeted modernisation – without the need for a completely new purchase. Retrofitting offers advantages, particularly in areas with long-lasting hardware and clearly defined functionality: longer service life, better networking and more convenience for users with lower investment and shorter downtimes.