Touchscreens are widely used in various devices, such as in rail transit systems. Functionally speaking, touchscreens in rail transit ticketing systems act as smart and intuitive “dialogue windows,” making communication between passengers and machines remarkably simple. Here are some specific analyses.
1. Self-Service Ticket Purchase and Collection
Traditional Method: On older machines, you had to press numerous physical buttons to select routes and fares, making the process cumbersome.
Touchscreen Capabilities:
Intuitive Selection: A large map appears directly on the screen. You can tap your destination station with your finger, just like using a smartphone. The system automatically calculates fares and recommends routes, making the process highly intuitive.
Flexible Adjustments: To purchase multiple tickets or select different fare types (e.g., single-trip vs. day pass), simply tap “+” or “-” on the screen—far quicker than pressing physical buttons.
Multiple Payment Options: After selection, the screen clearly displays QR code payment, scan-to-pay, and other options. One tap takes you directly to the corresponding payment interface.
In short: It transforms complex button operations into simple taps, just like using a smartphone.
2. Ticket Validation at Entry/Exit Gates (Small Screen on Turnstiles)
This is one of the touchscreen's most crucial applications.
Traditional Method: You could only place your ticket (card or QR code) on a fixed reader. If there was an issue (e.g., insufficient balance, failure to exit after entry), the gate would simply flash red and beep, leaving you confused about the exact problem.
Touchscreen Functionality:
Status Display: The screen clearly shows text and icons indicating “Please tap/scan,” “Pass through,” “Insufficient balance,” or “Contact customer service.”
Self-Service Inquiry: If your ticket has an issue (e.g., failed exit scan locked you in), you can tap “Inquiry” on the gate's touchscreen. It will explain the specific reason and direct you to the service counter.
Top-up/Update: For certain smart cards, if your balance is insufficient for exit, you can tap the screen to scan a QR code and add funds directly via your phone. The gate will then open, eliminating the need to visit the service counter.
In short: It makes the cold gate “talk,” telling you what's wrong and sometimes letting you fix the issue yourself, avoiding long queues to ask staff.
3. Self-Service Inquiry & Verification
Large touchscreen kiosks are typically installed in station concourses.
Traditional methods: Consult paper maps on walls or ask staff.
Touchscreen functions:
Route Planning: Enter your origin and destination to instantly receive the fastest travel route, including transfer details.
Fare Inquiry: Select a station directly to view precise fare details.
Transaction History: Tap your card on the reader to display recent travel times and amounts, facilitating verification.
In short: It functions like a 24/7, knowledgeable sales associate, always ready to provide travel information.
Core Functional Advantages of Touchscreens:
Intuitive Efficiency: One-touch operation with minimal learning curve, suitable for all ages, significantly accelerating passenger flow.
Clear Communication: Directly informs passengers via text and graphics about status updates and required actions, reducing confusion and anxiety.
High Flexibility: A single screen can perform countless functions (ticket purchase, inquiries, top-ups) through software updates without hardware replacement.
Reduced Staff Burden: Machines handle common inquiries (e.g., information lookups, basic fault alerts), allowing station personnel to focus on more complex customer service issues.
Within rail transit ticketing systems, touchscreens fundamentally transform human-machine interaction. They shift the process from “doing what the machine tells you” to “telling the machine what you want to do,” making travel more convenient and intelligent.