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Sign upTransitioning to smart ticketing systems as a way to address the environmental challenges posed by single-use paper tickets in public transport
Transitioning to smart ticketing systems as a way to address the environmental challenges posed by single-use paper tickets in public transport
One of the most effective solutions to reduce the environmental footprint of public transport ticketing is the implementation of smart ticketing systems. These systems replace single-use paper tickets with reusable smart cards and digital tickets, significantly reducing waste. Smart cards, which use contactless technology, offer a durable, secure, and versatile solution (2). For consumers, it offers a more reliable, faster, and easier way to manage travel. The convenience of remote loading and auto-reload functionalities reduces the need for physical ticket purchases, decreasing waste and enhancing user experience. For transport operators, smart ticketing systems streamline operations, reduce fraud, and enable better management of fare structures. Additionally, the integration of smart ticketing can lead to significant cost savings. Studies show that over a 10-year period, the implementation of smart ticketing can result in benefits exceeding costs by €720 million, with a benefit/cost ratio of 5.7. In comparison, a 5-year investment period shows benefits less costs at €150 million, with a benefit/cost ratio of 2.4 (3). This demonstrates that the long-term financial and environmental advantages of smart ticketing far outweigh the initial investment, underscoring its potential to significantly enhance the sustainability and efficiency of public transport systems.
The public transport sector is a significant contributor to global waste due to its reliance on single-use paper tickets. The environmental footprint of producing these tickets is substantial, with each stage from production to disposal contributing to carbon emissions, resource depletion, and pollution. In major cities, where millions of passengers travel daily, the accumulation of discarded tickets creates a significant waste management challenge (1). Traditional paper and plastic tickets not only require the felling of trees and the consumption of water and energy but also contribute to landfill waste. Paris still sold about 550 million paper tickets a year, leading to 1400kg of CO2 emitted per year (4). Governments and transport authorities can really have a positive impact on it by adopting more sustainable ticketing solutions such as smart cards to curb this environmental impact.
The information presented above, is solely for the purposes of information. The Solar Impulse Foundation does not assert to possess the definitive answer but aims to present intriguing facts deemed important for consideration in our daily choices and discussions related to climate action. It does not intend to function as a moralizing entity but rather seeks to showcase societal norms that may not always be logical, while also offering better, more environmentally friendly alternatives, catered to improving the overall well-being of individuals andsociety in general.
