Cal Mac to modernise ticketing system

Cal Mac to modernise outdated ticket booking system 24/8/14

Caledonian MacBrayne (Cal Mac) is to introduce a modern ticketing and online booking system.

It has signed a deal with Worldline, a specialist in online transactions.

The initial three-year contract will see Worldline team up with Hogia, the largest provider of IT systems for ferry and sea freight operators for the European transport market, to deliver a modern, integrated ticketing system for Cal Mac ferry services on the west coast of Scotland.

Martin Dorchester, managing director of CalMac, said the shipping firm is “currently undertaking a major programme of improvements to modernise our systems to help us be the best we can be.”

He recognised “our ticketing and online booking systems are starting to show their age and no longer meet the expectations of customers for whom e-ticketing and the use of mobile technology is becoming the norm.”

“The two companies selected to work with us have unrivalled experience in this field providing between them similar services for a host of rail and ferry operators both in the UK and overseas and we are sure all of our customers will find the new systems easy to use and greatly enhance their experience of travelling with us.”

Scottish Government Transport Minister, Keith Brown MSP, said: “The award of this contract is excellent news, as it brings Cal Mac another step closer to delivering a state-of-the-art ticketing and booking system that will provide real benefits to ferry passengers.

“The system will make it quicker and easier for travellers to make bookings and reservations, and will allow smart ticketing technology to be rolled out in the future.

“I want ferry travel in Scotland to remain an attractive option, and this new system will help enhance the customer experience on board Cal Mac services.”