Queuing up at train station booking offices to buy tickets or
waiting for them to arrive by post is set to become a thing of the past,
with the launch of the rail industry`s first national Ticket on Departure
(ToD) programme.

ToD allows passengers to book their tickets either online or through a call
centre and collect their ticket from the station immediately before they
travel.  Passengers collect their tickets by using a self-service machine
or, if necessary, at the booking office.

Despite only launching 2 weeks ago, the ToD scheme is already having a
significant impact on online sales with a quarter of Qjump
customers now
choosing to collect their tickets from the station.

“This is already having a massive impact on the number of people using the
web to buy train tickets,” said Richard Rowson, Head of Business Systems,
Qjump Limited.

“In the past most people who booked online did so several days in advance of
travelling, to allow to time for the tickets to be posted to them.  This is
no longer necessary as customers can book online and then collect their
tickets hours later from the train station.” 

“This is a huge development in rail retailing which will have a big effect
on consumer and business customers.  The potential for ToD is huge and
whilst we are delighted that 25% of our customers are already using this
facility, we expect this figure to increase substantially,” said Richard.

The official launch of ToD follows a successful industry wide pilot scheme
which was in operation at several UK stations.  The number of stations with
ToD facilities has now increased to over 50.

Launched in January 2002, Qjump powers the websites for all nine train
companies within the National Express Group.  Qjump offers a national
impartial service and people can buy train tickets for any UK National Rail
journey through the Qjump website. 

Related stories on ITN:

(04/07/2003) Qjump Joins the Mobile Revolution

(05/06/2003) Qjump`s New Website Makes it Easier to Book Rail Tickets

(07/04/2003) Barclaycard Select Qjump as Online Rail Service Provider

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