Thalys International, a major European rail company, has extended its contract with Atos Worldline, part of Atos Origin Group, to continue the development of its multi-channel customer services system, the Cybelys loyalty program. Under the terms of the agreement Atos will work to extend ticketless ticketing to all Thalys rail customers.

As global prime contractor for the project, Atos Worldline developed and now operates the Cybelys prgramme. The ticketless system works by employing dedicated wireless PDA and anti-fraud technologies. Conductors are equipped with on-train PDAs to check passenger identity and travel data against information in the reservations system. The paperless ticketing information is transmitted via contact or contactless identity cards and partner cards.

The ticketless system enables travel to any Thalys destination without a paper ticket. Travelers also receive email and SMS alerts in the event of disruptions in the train service schedule. The system enables Thalys International to address emerging sustainable development issues, while increasing customer satisfaction.

“Following the tremendous success of our first paperless tickets, we decided to partner again with Atos Worldline to take this strategic initiative to a new level,” commented Laurent Lenoir of Thalys. “The solutions developed by Atos Worldline further sharpen the image of Thalys as an innovator and trailblazer.”

Introduced in 2003, the Cybelys loyalty program supported trials of the first paperless rail transport service in Europe.