03/11/25
The sheer pace of change across digital transport systems and smart ticketing was impossible to ignore at this year’s Smartex Smart Transport Forum in Cardiff.
The event saw industry leaders, operators, and technology providers coming together to explore how the UK’s transport networks are adapting to an increasingly digital, data-driven world.
There was plenty of evidence that the future of smart transport is very much upon us.
Among the most compelling case studies presented at the Smart Transport Forum was Translink’s contactless transformation across Northern Ireland. Rolling out account-based ticketing to 1,350 buses, Translink’s project showcased how well-planned technology deployment can dramatically improve both passenger experience and operational efficiency. Its “Tappiness” campaign encapsulated perfectly the customer benefits of this shift – simple, tap-on travel backed by fare capping and integrated back-end systems.
Meanwhile, the coexistence of pay-as-you-go (PAYG) and account-based ticketing systems was also being widely discussed. Both continue to grow rapidly, serving distinct passenger needs from convenience and anonymity to integration and personalisation.
The message was clear: neither model is going away, and the challenge for operators is ensuring seamless interoperability between them.
Across the whole event, the Forum highlighted the way the market structure as well as the technology is changing.
Franchising models are evolving as local and regional authorities take a more active role in shaping routes and services, while others continue to operate under centralised systems. These structural changes are opening the door for greater flexibility, responsiveness and innovation.
That innovation is of course creating a stream of new technologies that are transforming how people interact with public transport. Real-time tracking, digital ticketing, AI-driven fleet management, and demand-responsive services are redefining what passengers expect.
And as digital integration deepens, the need for connected, reliable hardware becomes ever more critical. Which, of course, is where Qcom steps in.
For Qcom, this revolution reinforces the importance of robust, preventative maintenance and expert field service. Every validator, ticketing kiosk, gate, and display is part of a larger network that must perform consistently across thousands of locations. When one link falters, passenger confidence suffers, and operational costs rise.
That is why our nationwide engineering network supports OEMs and operators across the UK, providing installations, scheduled maintenance, upgrades, and rapid-response repairs. We help extend asset life, reduce downtime, and ensure seamless integration with new digital systems. Whether contactless, account-based, or hybrid, we make sure the technology keeps running smoothly.
As smart transport continues to evolve, collaboration between technology developers, operators, and service partners will be vital. The systems being installed today will form the foundation for tomorrow’s smart cities – but only if they’re maintained to perform reliably, efficiently, and securely.
At Qcom, we’re proud to be part of that journey – supporting the transport technologies that move people, data, and ideas across the UK.
Click to find out how Qcom can support your smart transport systems, or contact us today.
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