VenTek
Smart Fare Vending Machine
2019
Research, Concept, Development + Production
Smart Fare Vending Machine
VenTek challenged D+I to develop the next generation in multi-industry ‘Smart Fare Vending Machines’ (SFVM). The SFVM is the result of over 3+ years development + testing to meet 600+ requirements. The unattended ticket system had to be modular + configurable to suit any industry/application that requires tickets to be purchased. The first in series has been developed specifically for North American public transport applications (Roads, Railways, Waterways).
Robust + Adaptable
The SFVM had to be built like a tank, robust enough to withstand the diverse weather conditions of the North American markets (-40°C up to +40°C / freezing through to desert extremes / IP56: Water + Dust Proof) and impenetrable to attempts of vandals (4 levels of physical security). The SFVM needed to accommodate the many ways today’s users choose to pay and enable thousands of transactions per day. Modular payments configurations allow for: Cash, Card, NFC, QR, and more. The first in a series allows public transit users to purchase single-trip, multi-trip or rechargeable travel passes for transport services. The SFVM is highly accessible for users and compliant with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) regulations.
Enhanced Experience
The SFVM enhances the experience for operators, staff and transit users. The SFVM features one of the smallest footprints in its class, a stainless-steel brush finish, a sloped awning preventing snow/water build up, no external fasteners, and comes equipped with an emergency backup battery. A subtle soft light shines down from the SFVM awning to illuminate the vandal + weather-resistant glossy poly-carbonate fascia featuring the full customer interface. The ticket purchasing interface has been designed for all user types, optimised height, touch sensitivity, auto-adjust back-lighting, physical navigational keys and AUX input + tactile labels/pictographs for vision impaired users. Users are guided through the ticket purchase flow — starting with the touch screen, next steps are chronologically indicated by glowing rim lighting (ie. Insert Card, Scan Code, Enter Pin, Collect Ticket, Tap Rechargeable Transit Ticket). The top static panel is fully customisable allowing for transit information, PSA’s + advertisements. For Operators, security is paramount, 250 kgs+, dead-bolted and vandal resistant to a German standard. The SFVM utilises a stage-gated 4 level security system, access to areas are dictated by specific staff roles and respective allocated keys.
Operational Efficiency
The SFVM effectively eliminates the need for constant service visits to refill cash, featuring recyclable coin + notes hopper systems, reducing one of the biggest overheads faced by operators. Fully equipped with wireless communications the SFVM talks back-to-base allowing operators to monitor machines on the network in real-time. All components are modular allowing seamless maintenance, simply remove the malfunctioning unit and replace, enabling almost instantaneous servicing.