Rail Runner partners with Abanco to give
mobile commuters ticket-purchasing options
NEWS FLASH
ALBUQUERUQE, NM., October 17, 2006 - The New Mexico Rail Runner Express announced that it is now utilizing Abanco International, LLC, a leading provider of payment processing solutions, to provide (MDT) or Mobile Data Technology to collect fares at Rail Runner platforms and on the train. Chris Blewett, Rail Runner Project Manager, demonstrates use of the new mobile ticketing devices
"The Rail Runner is the future of transportation in New Mexico and this ticketing system is another way that these future technologies are becoming a reality today," said New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson. "The Rail Runner is fast and this ticketing system will make the train experience even faster for commuters."
"These hand-held devices will allow commuters to use credit, debit, or cash payment options right on the platform to get Rail Runner tickets", says Lawrence Rael, Executive Director for the Mid-Region Council of Governments. "Ticket agents will also use the MDT equipment to validate tickets and vend passes right on the train. And pretty soon, these very sophisticated machines will allow people yet another option - buying their pre-order Rail Runner tickets on the Internet", adds Rael.
The "MDT In-Transit", as it's called, operates on a rugged, wireless terminal. It is a fully-functional, web-enabled, touch screen unit with built-in software and custom integration components that utilize barcode scanning and magnetic strip technologies to simplify the business process and to deliver secure transactions in the field.
"Rail Runner's utilization of the Abanco MDT In-Transit will allow it to streamline payment transactions, as well as improve passenger service and satisfaction", says Rhonda Faught, Secretary of the NM Department of Transportation. "These devices can validate tickets quickly and then reconcile daily inventory at the end of the day".
Passengers arriving at Rail Runner stations prior to the arrival of the train will be able to purchase tickets from yellow-vested ticket agents right on the platform. If a passenger fails to get a ticket before boarding the train, they can simply buy their ticket from an agent while en route to their destination.
More information is available at www.nmrailrunner.com
Contacts:
Augusta Meyers, MRCOG Communications Mgr. (505) 239-8612
S.U. Mahesh, NM Department of Transportation (505) 490-0976
Corporate Information
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Mobile Ticketing
Abanco's Press Release |
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