SkyBus to offer passengers speedy tap-and-go ride

Award-winning express airport transfer service SkyBus has today announced a next generation ticketing system that will offer customers contactless payments on-board its services.

Complementing existing payment options which include the SkyBus app and website, e-kiosks and ticketing booths, the new platform will allow passengers to simply board and wave their payment card of choice to embark without the need for a ticket.

Powered by a world-leading partnership between Fujitsu and Masabi, the Account-Based Ticketing (ABT) system has been implemented across SkyBus’s operation in Melbourne and Hobart.

The cloud-native solution is integrated and managed by Fujitsu using Masabi’s Justride suite of application programming interfaces (APIs) and its mobile ticketing software development kit (SDK).

The innovation will also see validator devices installed across SkyBus’s fleet to enhance the customer experience with the ability to simply tap mobile devices or printed tickets to travel, increasing passenger safety, and making riding SkyBus services faster and more efficient.

Customers will be able to experience the ‘tap-and-go’ payment method from October, ahead of the peak travel period.

Michael Sewards, Co-CEO of SkyBus operator Kinetic, said SkyBus is the preferred mode of transport to access airports because it is a customer-focused brand offering a world-class experience that is convenient and affordable.

“From developing the SkyBus app to introducing ticket e-kiosks, we are driven by technology and continue to invest in a seamless customer journey from the moment passengers step off the plane to when they jump aboard our services,” Mr Sewards said.

“We are excited to partner with world-leading brands Fujitsu and Masabi to make that experience even better with the introduction of on-board ticket validation and contactless payments.” 

The Fujitsu/Masabi partnership combines Fujitsu’s experience and expertise in IT services, support, systems management and integration with Masabi’s ABT fare payments platform to create a formidable alliance.

The solution makes payment faster and more convenient, while also reducing the cost of ticketing systems. Masabi’s Justride FPaaS (Fare Payments as a Service) platform is used by more than 140 transport operators and authorities across the EU, Europe, North America and Asia Pacific.

Dave Lennon, Head of Industry – Public Sector, Fujitsu Australia and New Zealand, said, “Fujitsu is delighted to work with Masabi to deliver next generation fare payments via the Masabi Justride platform. By using Masabi’s suite of APIs and mobile ticketing SDK, SkyBus is able to continue to serve customers via traditional printed and mobile tickets and easily introduce Apple Pay, Google Pay & contactless EMV (cEMV) bank card payments as well.”

“The delivered solution was easily migrated to operate on the existing SkyBus kiosk and driver bus hardware, allowing for a smooth transition. Being a cloud native solution provides Fujitsu and SkyBus confidence with reliability and the scalability of the new system.”

Brian Zanghi, CEO at Masabi, said, “The Coronavirus pandemic has accelerated what was a pre-existing trend towards contactless ticketing solutions. We are delighted to be working with SkyBus and Fujitsu to expand our deployments in Australia, ensuring that passengers are provided a safe and convenient ticketing experience.”