Procurement and Retail

This section outlines NSTAB’s position in relation to Procurement and Retail across the multiple product and token types. It considers how this may develop and the assumptions to be applied as any changes takes place over time.

Retail Platforms

NSTAB considers that any new retail and/or support platform should be inclusive of existing freedoms for operators/schemes/modes, and that any migration towards a reduced token set under a new retail / support platform should be based on a developed, staged pathway. In line with the commitment to supporting the Customer, any users wishing to use cash as their payment token should not be disadvantaged.

Ticket Retail Equipment Provision and Procurement

It has been identified that there may be real efficiency advantages to adopting (and defining, where needed) Standards for the supply of Retail Equipment, Payment Service Provider (PSP) Services and Merchant/Bank Acquirers.. 

Over time, the migration towards a reduced number of Standard led Suppliers is not necessarily a barrier, so long as agreed functionality is maintained. In the absence of new funding, a pragmatic approach to equipment renewal should be mapped to align with existing contract end periods.

NSTAB strongly advises that all Operators and public bodies procuring ticket retail equipment and services should be required to engage with an ‘authorised body’ to ensure compliance with approved Standards. NSTAB may fulfil this role on an interim basis.

Physical Device Standards for Retail

The Standards to underpin the ongoing support for and development of physical devices for Ticketing in line with STA1 are as follows:

  • Open reader interface (physical)
  • Accessibility (More than WCAG) – WCAG and User Centred Design (UCD) Requirement
  • GPS (for moving vehicles)
  • SIRI (ETMs only) – SIRI
  • ITSO 2.1.5 – ITSO
  • Concession validation – TBC - New
  • Retail API (API integration operator & ABT) – TBC - New
  • PCI (latest version) – PCI Council
  • EMV level 1-2 (3 as part of overall solution)

A set of clear requirements & business rules covering as a minimum:

  • List Management
  • Accessibility
  • Cash & cEMV
  • Contactless reader for ITSO & cEMV
  • Barcode printer
  • IP rating
  • DSSS
  • PSP/ Acquirer interface

Online Web & App Standards for Retail

The Standards to underpin the ongoing support for and development of Web based retail for Ticketing in line with STA1 are as follows:

Core Web Based Standards

Accessibility – WCAG and UCD Requirements

Retail APIs (Operator & ABT) – TBC - New

Concessions validation – TBC - New

PCI (latest version) – PCI Council

A set of clear requirements & business rules covering as a minimum:

  • Digital Scotland Service Standard (DSSS)
  • Retail history
  • Registration (optional)
  • Advance booking
  • Configure data for products
  • PSP/ acquirer interface
  • Journey Planning

Core App Based Standards

  1. As Web based standards, plus:
  2. Barcode support (multi-modal) - RDG (for rail), TF2 and TBC (for others)
  3. A set of clear requirements & business rules covering as a minimum:
  • GPS
  • ITSO on Mobile (IOM) – ITSO
  • Read ITSO – ITSO
  • Load ITSO – ITSO

Short Term Advisory Recommendations for Procurement and Retail

Project Reference Description Priority Cost Comments
GEN2 Stakeholders to work with government to define and model zonal flat fare options in line with Fair Fares Review which promote affordability, accessibility and inclusion. High No Not Applicable
GEN3 Support government, operators and wider stakeholders in undertaking a business case model for zonal flat fare options in line with 2. above High Low Not Applicable
PCR1a Review existing ITSO / EMV / Barcode systems provision to identify opportunities for shared procurement and delivery efficiencies High No Not Applicable
PCR2a Review options for procuring Multi-token Multi-modal ABT system in line with ABT2 High Low Not Applicable
PCR3 Promote Awareness of Human Centred Design (HCD) as part of PCR2 High Low Not Applicable

Medium Term Advisory Recommendations for Procurement and Retail

Project Reference Description Priority Cost Comments
PCR1b Ensure efficiencies in shared system procurement are optimised High Low Not Applicable
PCR1c Ensure efficiencies in shared system procurement are optimised High No Not Applicable
PCR2b Procure Multi-token Multi-modal ABT system with HCD - in line with ABT2 High Medium / High Not Applicable
GEN4 Ensure replacement of ticket retail and validation devices in support of preferred token types High
Project Reference Description Priority Cost Comments
GEN5 Reduced number of non-national retail options due to SST licensing High No Not Applicable
PCR4 Renew Procurement Framework as required High No Not Applicable

Medium / High Not Applicable

Long Term Advisory Recommendations for Procurement and Retail

Project Reference Description Priority Cost Comments
GEN5 Reduced number of non-national retail options due to SST licensing High No Not Applicable
PCR4 Renew Procurement Framework as required High No Not Applicable