Chiltern Bluetooth trial

[mattdickinson]

Chiltern are trialling a method of travelling using Bluetooth beacons.

Ninja

"This revolutionary new app means no more queuing for tickets, it provides up-to-date information on your journey and only charges you the best possible fare for all your journeys at the end of each day. We have even modified the station gates to use bluetooth technology to work with the app and allow you through without the need for a ticket, contactless card or barcode - tap your smartphone and you're through!

And as a thank you for helping us with the trial, the cost of the first trip you take using the app will be refunded in full.*

This pilot is currently only available on Apple iPhone (6 and above) and is for journeys between Oxford Parkway, Bicester Village, Bicester North, Islip and London Marylebone."

 

[A Challenge]

While I one wouldn't have need to use Chiltern between London and Bicester to Oxford and I don't have a iPhone, I think this is an interesting idea - feels like oyster, and wonder if it will be a success as it might affect other areas if it is successful or not.

 

[Lrd]

I really hope they can get this to work, we need more innovative ideas instead of using outdated and complex ticketing technology.

Such a shame they aren't trialling it on Android as I would have loved to give it a go.

 

[Wallsendmag]

I was at a demo in Crawley last year for Bluetooth gates. Worked well but needed a lot of work on the physical installation. We would never get listed building consent.

 

[mallard]

Sounds like a "free tickets for iPhone owners!" promotion more than a genuine "trial" of anything significant. Wouldn't be at all surprised to find Apple providing sponsorship/"consulting"/etc.

 

[Be3G]

Greater Anglia trialled something similar a few years ago. As far as I'm aware nothing became of it though; I wonder if this will be any different?