Less effort, more efficiency

VGF has relied on a ticketing system from INIT since the 1990s. One of the key reasons for switching to MOBILEvario in 2016 was its multiclient capability, which can map the complex structure of public transport operators in Frankfurt. VGF itself operates the entire rail based local transport network in the city and provides the system infrastructure for bus services on behalf of traffiQ. traffiQ, which is responsible for all local public transport in Frankfurt, commissions four bus operators. All Frankfurt transport companies belong to the Rhein-Main Verkehrsverbund (transport association).

VGF uses MOBILEvario, hosted by INIT, which means there is no need to run or maintain its own IT systems. Updates and security measures are managed centrally by INIT, giving VGF a ticketing system that meets all requirements for
reliability, high availability and cybersecurity.

MOBILEvario also enables cashless payment and eTicketing, allowing passengers to pay contactlessly and for electronic tickets to be validated and updated. A key prerequisite for this is that the devices – a total of 485 PROXmobile passenger terminals and 505 EVENDpc ticket printers – remain fully operational with INIT handling system monitoring to ensure the reliability of the systems and processes. Any malfunctions are logged via JIRA tickets and passed on to the support team. The service package also includes system and software maintenance, ensuring that the software used in both the back-office system and the devices remains current, secure and stable.

It is equally important that passenger terminals and ticket printers are always supplied with up-to-date data. This includes fare data provided by the Rhein-Main Verkehrsverbund, which INIT first imports into MOBILEvario before distributing it to the devices. INIT also ensures that the action and block lists are kept current. These lists contain information and updates such as subscription changes or details of blocked or lost electronic tickets, secure access modules or chip cards.

To ensure that the correct lines and routes are available on the devices for autonomous positioning, timetable data must also be provided. VGF supplies this data as a VDV-485 export, which INIT imports into data provision tool of MOBILE-PLAN, which processes, and then distributes it to the vehicle devices.

If a passenger terminal or ticket printer fails, VGF’s first-level support handles replacement devices, while INIT repairs or replaces defective components.

According to Fritsch, advice is just as important as reliable service. Once a quarter, he meets with INIT’s operations manager to review an operational report detailing the key ticketing and device KPIs. The meeting covers topics such as repairs, the proportion of cash and cashless payments, and other key performance indicators. Consulting plays a central role too: process improvement measures are proposed, and new projects are planned jointly – giving VGF practical recommendations for continuous improvement. “We’re just as satisfied with the quality of INIT’s services as we are with the speed of their feedback,” Fritsch sums up.

Thanks to INIT’s comprehensive operational services, VGF can run its ticketing system efficiently and reliably without burdening its own staff with technical details. For Alexander Fritsch, this means one thing above all: reliable day-today operations. He can rely on everything running smoothly, repairs being completed on time, and processes being refined in consultation with INIT – a decisive advantage for VGF and its complex public transport processes in Frankfurt.