Metro Smart Ticketing App

Nebula Labs worked with partners including Nexus and Google to deliver an innovative smart ticketing mobile app, including ticket purchasing, tickets via Google Pay, and real time train information (RTI).

The ticket on the handset emulates the ITSO-compatible Nexus smartcard, Pop, and is instantly recognised by the Metro’s ticket gates when the smartphone is tapped on the reader. 

Customer Services Director at Nexus, Huw Lewis, said: “The Pop card app will revolutionise how people can pay for their travel and then access the Metro network by simply touching their phone on to a gate or validator.

“Customers can buy and store electronic tickets on Android smartphones, and then travel without needing to carry a separate ticket or smartcard.

“It’s convenient, easy to use, speeds up journey times, and, in this Covid-19 era, it will further minimise the need for customers to use cash and come into contact high with touch surfaces on our ticket machines.

Jonathan Hill, Head of Transit Partnerships Google Pay "We are excited to work with Nexus to help speed up travel for Nexus customers. Google Pay aims to create an effortless, immersive mobile transit experience for users, removing the friction of getting a ticket and saving valuable time for busy passengers.

“Easing the end-to-end travel experience has been a key focus for Google, and we’re excited that people on the Nexus app can now use Google Pay to instantly buy, store and use Pop Metro tickets.”

ITSO on Mobile® integrates with the Pop app which has been developed in conjunction with mobile app developer Nebula Labs. Earlier adopters of the mobile ticketing solution described the overall passenger experience as ‘flawless’, as compared to traditional paper ticketing.  Dylan McKee, Nebula Labs spokesperson said “Working closely with all partners, we've developed a smart ticketing app that will be user friendly, efficient and make travel on the Metro even easier."  

The Tyne and Wear Metro is considered one of the UK's busiest light rail systems outside of London, with around 37 million passengers a year travelling across the 60 station network. Scheidt & Bachmann, supplier of retailing infrastructure including ticket gates and validators says “Scheidt & Bachmann is delighted to have supported this project, helping Nexus to deliver a ground-breaking solution for its customers.  It offers an improved user experience and its launch could not come at a better time.

Ken Cameron, S&B UK Managing Director concludes “This project complements the retailing infrastructure we provide to Nexus and the Tyne & Wear Metro and appeals to the technology adopters that are becoming increasingly important, especially during the Coronavirus pandemic. We are excited to follow its progress.”