Barcode Integration Solutions

The UK public transport network is currently made up of multiple modes of transport, and multiple operators within each of those modes. Modal shift from single occupancy vehicles, onto the public transport network is vital if we are to tackle the climate crisis and grow the economy. Therefore, it is essential that public transport is a seamless experience where access and payment is integrated so that residents can ditch the car and travel on all buses, trains and trams using commonly recognised tokens.

Public transport operators are rolling out barcode technology that can be visualised through an App or printed onto paper and then read securely by the operator's ticket machines. However, as there is currently no universally accepted standard for barcode ticketing, manufacturers are developing their own proprietary versions that, without modification, are not interoperable with other manufacturers ticket machines.

The scope of this requirement is to create a detailed and costed options Report, complete with recommendations and a roadmap that, if followed, would enable integrated multimodal and multi-operator barcode ticketing solutions. The final report will incorporate and address the following themes:

1. Barcode types (including QR codes)

2. Current Barcode/QR Standards

3. Capability Assessment of all major ticket machine manufacturers

4. Examples of current Barcode schemes

5. Full Cost Chain Analysis

6. Risks, Issues and Challenges affecting Integrated solutions

7. Options Report

8. Roadmap/ Deliverables

9. Technical On-Site Training Day

Government spending data: This supplier has received £20,083,644 in 241 payments (over £25k) from Department for Transport, Ministry of Defence, Thames Valley Police, Cabinet Office, DSIT and 7 more public bodies (2023-10-10 to 2025-10-20). View full payment history →

Tender Documents

• Awarded contract notice on Contracts Finder → — Award notice