Fonix has announced that it will be providing a mobile payment mechanic for the Cowes Floating Bridge. This is the UK’s first direct carrier billing deal within the ticketing sector.
The service carries vehicles, bikes and foot passengers between Cowes and East Cowes. It operates 7 days a week, all year round and takes just a few minutes.
The service will now allow customers to pay for their tickets with just a couple of taps on their mobile device. The process does not require credit card details to be typed in, as customers will be charged to their mobile phone bill.
The payment method will be launched in conjunction with the new Cowes Floating Bridge app; developed by TransIQ, allowing consumers to pay either by Fonix’s carrier billing platform or by PayPal for the first time.
COWES FLOATING BRIDGE
Councillor Ian Ward, Isle of Wight Council Cabinet member for infrastructure and transport, explains: “It is important that residents are able to pay to use the floating bridge service in the easiest and most convenient way for them. By providing the option of Fonix’s carrier billing or paypal, on the app, customers can pay safely and securely without any hassle. I look forward to seeing it being used successfully on the floating bridge.”
Adrian Keeling-Look, Director and TransIQ, adds: “Carrier billing is a great innovation, allowing customers to buy a ticket without needing cash or a credit/debit card to hand. They can pay for their travel on the move at any time before they board, allowing them to skip the queues at the quayside. The new process reduces the need to handle cash onboard and each ticket has a unique and secure QR code which eliminates manual errors.”
Rob Weisz, CEO of Fonix says: “Providing mobile carrier billing for the Cowes Floating Bridge is particularly exciting, as it is the first of its kind in this sector. We consistently see the positive effect that it has on conversion rates across every sector we work in and we’re looking forward to seeing the same with the Cowes Floating Bridge.”
