Elektriraudtee's new ticket system is based on a contacless smart card, which allows passengers to buy tickets onboard trains.
The new system allows loading period tickets on the card, which will then be activated onboard, as well as simply loading money on the card, which then can be used to buy single tickets. All transactions related to the card can be carried out both onboard trains and in Internet, with the exception of single tickets, which will be sold only onboard trains.
According to Elektriraudtee's public relations manager Norbert Kaareste, passengers have been waiting for such system for a long time. It will also simplify changing over to euro as Estonia's currency, as passengers don't have to deal with small coins while buying a ticket.
The software for the system was created by AS Webmedia and the website for transactions will be at pilet.elektriraudtee.ee. Initial plans include implementing the system on September 6, 2010.
Elektriraudtee operates all electric commuter trains in Tallinn and Harju County. The company has ordered 18 new electric trains from Stadler, first of them will be in use by 2013.
