Train operator steams ahead with online ticketing portal

East coast train operator GNER has signed a deal with Atos Origin to develop and manage a ticket sales website.

GNER already sells a significant number of advanced purchase tickets through the internet, but wants to encourage more corporate customers and passengers who currently buy tickets over the phone or at railways stations to buy online – a shift that would bring savings for the rail operator.

Emma Passey, e-commerce manager at GNER said: "The internet is now a very important channel through which we sell tickets and with this new web-based system, we are providing our passengers with a fast, secure and easy way to purchase tickets online.”

The new ticket sales website will be integrated with GNER’s customer relationship management system, so the company can analyse buying patterns and use the data to plan marketing campaigns.

Atos Origin will also manage credit card authorisations, through its Atos Worldline electronic payment services subsidiary.

GNER completed an upgrade of its network infrastructure in November, with 22 stations and depots connected through its new wide area network. The train operator has also completed Wi-Fi installation across its entire fleet of 41 passenger trains.