Intelligent Life Found On Railways
WEB ticket agency Trainline have paid out £18million for smartcard giant AST in a deal which will pave the way for the introduction of train swipe cards and sound the death knell for the humble train ticket.
In the coming year, the company plans to launch the new system at rail and tube stations and boss Alan Tomlin is rather excited. Says he: “It will revolutionise travel. All customers need to do is swipe at entry points with no queuing or worries about remembering different sets of tickets.”
However, while the idea of not having to queue up for tickets does sound rather good, the unions are understandably concerned about the inevitable resulting job losses.
Bob Crow, leader of the Rail, Maritime and Transport Union, warns that rail bosses will “have a fight on their hands”. Says he: “It is typical of rail privateers to see technology as a means to cut costs and maximise profits. Booking staff provide a vital service way beyond simply selling tickets. We will defend them.”
Indeed, the booking staff are needed to take money, make you wait in line, nip to the toilet and refuse to serve you if you look at them ‘funny’…
Posted: 27th, June 2007 | In: Money Comment (1) | TrackBack | Permalink
