VENDstation

VENDstation has already passed its field test. The first ticket vending machines have been installed last year for the major project in Luxemburg. According to customer requirements, two different variants are used: A “compact” version supports credit card payment and the standard version accepts credit cards as well as coins and banknotes.

INIT has deliberately based the design of VENDstation on the strict conventions regarding ticket vending machines in order to increase the recognition factor at bus stops and platforms for all passengers. Customers can pay their fare by credit card, smart card or by cash. The ticket will either be booked on the smart card or printed on paper. VENDstation also includes a barcode reader that reads from mobile phone displays as well as from paper tickets.

INIT’s extraordinary experience in hardware development – not only in the field of ticketing – has contributed to the construction of VENDstation. Thanks to the modular design of INIT’s products, many approved components were integrated that have already proven their performance and sturdiness. For example, INIT’s IT and communication platform COPILOTpc2 serves as the central processing unit of the ticket vending machine.

The modular design also makes it easier to tailor the device to meet individual customer needs. For instance, data communication with the central system can be handled via a LAN or WLAN interface or via cellular radio. This way, sales data can be imported into MOBILEvario, INIT’s background system for clearing and fare management, for further processing at any time. In addition, it is possible to create cash logs for individual or all connected devices. All transactions are recorded: Cash payments, electronic payments, cancelled transactions, reading and control processes of chip cards and barcodes as well as issuing and returning of chip cards.

Beyond that, the robust enclosure perfectly protects VENDstation from vandalism, while integrated security features provide additional protection from burglary attempts.