Global ticket purchases via devices including smartphones, tablets and PCs will reach 32 billion by 2019, up from an estimated 16.2 billion this year, according to Juniper Research.
The new research, “Mobile & Online Ticketing: Transport, Events & NFC 2015-2019,” found that with digital ticketing services developing fast across the transport and events sector, mobile handsets will account for more than 1 in 2 digital tickets purchased by 2019. In almost every market, metro and bus ticketing was being driven by mobile phone usage.
The low price, high frequency and high volume nature of metro/bus ticketing was found to be particularly suited for mobile payments.
In addition, it was found that Metro/bus ticketing is gaining traction through barcodes delivered via smartphone apps, and through SMS-based solutions, with the latter witnessing impressive user adoption in markets such as Sweden and Italy.
Ticketing apps will also become key for wearable devices, such as smartwatches. “Smartwatches with NFC capability offer a convenient replacement for contactless debit-cards and smartphones. Integrating new devices and wearables should be a key strategic directive for all players across the ticketing value chain,” noted research author Nitin Bhas.
However, the research found a number challenges for wider adoption, including scanning capabilities and battery life.