Software and service solutions provider ITAL has picked up a deal with train operator CrossCountry to digitalise its revenue protection processes.
It seems Portsmouth-based ITAL is just the ticket for the train operating company as it will help with the move away from paper-based operations – and stop the scourge of self-entitled fare dodgers who plague the nation.
Sarah Robinson, Head of Operations at ITAL, says: “Modern paperless ticketing and changes in travel patterns following the pandemic have created difficulties for revenue protection officers. This new digital implementation will enable CrossCountry to overcome many of the challenges associated with revenue protection, increase efficiency, reduce errors, and help protect profit margins.”
Rachel Blackman, Interim Revenue Protection Manager at CrossCountry, adds: “Online ticketing has left our services open to new ways of payment avoidance. This new platform will reset the balance and empower our inspectors with the tools to carry out their work more efficiently and help protect the business’ revenue.”
According to the tech firm, its ITAL Revenue Protection platform provides a digital Daily Duty Monitor, which captures activities throughout an inspector’s shift and automatically produces a report.
- Another SaaS firm is on the right track – read about ‘eviFile Secures Rail Signalling Deal with Alstom’ here
This removes the need for manual data entry and analysis of the information provided by inspectors. Unpaid fare notices are completed on the app, which “significantly negates the risk of manual errors that can currently compromise prosecutions”. The thought that this may help wipe the smug look off the face of a selfish fare dodger is a welcome one.
Ranting from journalists aside, via usage of the ITAL ‘KIOSK’ module, all data relating to prosecution is collated and stored. Users get notified if an action is required, and all information is automatically and exchanged as needed.
ITAL has a “long relationship” with CrossCountry. The new platform was rolled out following the completion of trials using a prototype and test environment with several selected inspectors. Draft workflows for revenue protection processes were provided and, with feedback from the users, a series of modifications were carried out until CrossCountry had the workflows it required for its needs.
ITAL was founded in 2003 and provides SaaS technology to the transport sectors, with a focus on rail operations and revenue protection. It develops bespoke solutions or ones that integrate with existing systems.
Other clients listed on its website include Greater Anglia, West Midlands Railway and West Midlands Combined Authority.
