Global ticket purchases via mobile and desktop devices including smartphones, tablets and PCs will reach 32bn by 2019, up from an estimated 16.2bn this year, according to new research.
The figure, from Juniper Research, represents a two-fold growth over the next 4 years.
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.
Metro/Bus Transport Sector Dominates Mobile Ticketing
The research found that 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.
The Emergence of Wearable Ticketing
The research observed that ticketing apps will 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 notes that a number of challenges, including scanning capabilities and battery life, needs to be addressed for wider adoption.
Other key findings
• Apple Pay will create a greater awareness of contactless payments via smartphones, resulting in higher adoption and usage of mobile ticketing.
• 1 in 3 airline boarding passes will be issued via mobile devices by 2019.
Source: Juniper Research