The local public transport company LNVG Groß-Gerau (Lokale Nahverkehrsgesellschaft mbH Groß-Gerau) has commissioned the software provider AMCON from Cloppenburg to implement a new sales solution for buses. A total of …
AMCON (May 25, 2021) – The Lower Saxony-based software company AMCON is pleased to announce a major contract win in the state of Hesse. Following a public tender, LNVG Groß-Gerau has commissioned AMCON to deliver a new on-board ticketing solution with ITCS interface (computer-aided dispatch system) and backend system for buses. As the public transport authority for the district of Groß-Gerau, LNVG coordinates bus services operated by several transport companies across the district’s 13 towns and municipalities. It also serves as a link to the Rhein-Main Transport Association (RMV), which oversees regional and supra-regional transport operations. “AMCON’s solution won us over. It’s modern, easy to use, and we’re very much looking forward to working together,” says Christian Sommer, Managing Director of LNVG. By the end of 2022, a total of 110 ticket printers and a comprehensive backend system will be delivered to Groß-Gerau. “In most public tenders for vehicle solutions, we offer our modular bus board unit, which allows individual components to be replaced as needed. However, since LNVG was looking for a compact solution, we proposed the FSD IOT device from Zelisko, which — combined with our software — offers a perfectly tailored system for their needs,” explains Darius Rauert, Managing Director at AMCON.
New ticket printers with eTicket reader and cashless payment function
This project uses the FSD6 IOT ticket printers from Zelisko. The main advantage of the on-board computer is its integrated smart card reader, which supports both the validation of eTickets and contactless payment. The hardware also includes a 2D barcode scanner with a combination antenna, traffic signal (LSA) control, a radio device with hands-free function, and IBIS-IP compatibility. Additionally, the new vehicle solution is equipped with a panic button that connects directly to the control center to enhance safety for both drivers and passengers. A GSM telephony module ensures smooth communication between drivers and dispatch.
The backend system includes core modules such as master data and device management, shift scheduling, seller accounts, and data distribution, as well as fare data management for handling both RMV and VRN fare structures. A statistics module is also provided to generate a wide range of monthly and annual reports. Another key component is the Product and Control Module (PKM) from VDV eTicket Service GmbH. This device-independent standard enables the digital processing of various local public transport fare structures and will be implemented as part of the project. Hosting services are also included in the contract. In addition to the live production system, AMCON will deliver a test environment where new features can be trialed without affecting day-to-day operations.
Communication between vehicle and control center via air interface to the control center
The solution features a wireless interface to the existing control center. Operational measures can also be managed via the ITCS — for instance, when additional trips are needed or connections must be secured.
Thanks to AMCON’s multi-client system, all participating transport operators can access their data easily and with maximum flexibility from a single backend system. At the same time, strict separation ensures that no client can view or access the data of another.