Following another fantastic ALBUM 2025 conference, we caught up with Bus & Coach Buyer magazine to discuss the innovations on show at our stand. You can read the feature below or if you’re a B&CB magazine subscriber, click here to read the ‘ALBUM Review’ Issue.
As ever, ALBUM 2025 served as a pivotal conference for industry suppliers to unveil transformative technologies. At the event, Ticketer demonstrated its continual innovation with exciting developments built on existing technology to drive further operational efficiencies and enhance the passenger experience.
Revolutionising Driver-Controller Communication
A significant showcase from Ticketer was its new two-way voice communication system, facilitated by the TK300 ETM’s built-in mic and speakers. Unlike traditional radio technology, it eliminates the need for extra hardware in the driver cab and costly radio licenses, offers clearer communication with less interference, and extends communication reach by using mobile networks rather than shorter-range radio frequencies.
The functionality that Ticketer’s solution provides is two-fold. Firstly, it offers broadcasting capabilities which are built on their existing text-based Driver Messaging solution to enable more targeted and time-based communication. Rather than sending the same message to all drivers regardless of relevance, operators can broadcast to specific drivers, services, depots or individual vehicles, ensuring communication is focused and efficient.
Broadcasts can also be scheduled to activate and expire at specific times, so critical updates like temporary road closures are sent only when needed. To support safety, drivers can listen hands-free and replay broadcasts when safe to do so.
Secondly, the system supports two-way communication, allowing both control room teams and drivers to initiate direct voice calls, just as you would using a mobile phone. Control teams are alerted to incoming calls via the Ticketer Portal where calls can also be logged for audit and review. Drivers can either accept calls when safe or return them later.
Introducing Passenger Manifests
Ticketer also unveiled their upcoming Passenger Manifests feature at ALBUM, aimed at streamlining operations for services offering both walk-on and pre-sale passengers, such as school and Demand Responsive Transport (DRT).
Initially launching on the Ticketer Handheld with plans to expand to the TK300 driver console, the feature provides drivers with a real-time view of expected occupancy at each stop. Pre-booked passengers can be marked as boarded by scanning a QR code, making it easy to identify any no-shows.
A standout aspect of the solution is its ability to manage both pre-booked and walk-up passengers through a single device – something many other systems cannot do. This unified approach again eliminates the need for multiple devices in the driver cab, simplifying operations and enhancing efficiency.
Detachable Driver Console
Whilst Ticketer’s next-generation TK300 has been available since 2023, Ticketer has recently made further enhancements to their driver console to enable it to be fully detachable.
Perfect for more flexible ticketing on the go, its enhanced design will further ensure easy compliance when completing daily vehicle walkaround checks when paired with Ticketer’s Vehicle Checklist solution.
Drivers will be able to conduct digital walkaround checks away from the cab with the console in hand, capturing photos, logging defects and submitting reports directly from the console.
The Road Ahead
The innovations unveiled by Ticketer at ALBUM 2025 highlight their commitment to delivering scalable, future-proofed solutions that enhance service quality and operational efficiency – without the need for complex hardware changes or installations.
As ever with Ticketer, their enhancements are designed with customers in mind, addressing real-world challenges through intuitive, accessible technology, whilst helping to create a more seamless, appealing, and efficient travel experience for all bus and coach passengers.
For further information on the innovations covered in this article, please email info@ticketer.co.uk or call (+44) 020 3195 8800.