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QR Codes for Transportation

Yuriy Byron
Written by Yuriy Byron
Updated
Published
4 mins
QR Codes for Public Transportation: Simplifying Commutes

QR Codes in Transportation: The Complete Guide

QR codes have revolutionized various industries, and transportation is no exception. These little black-and-white squares have become increasingly common in airports, train stations, and even on city streets. They’re transforming how we navigate, access information, and interact with transportation services. But how exactly are QR codes making waves in the world of transportation? Let’s dive in and explore!

What are QR Codes in Transportation?

At their core, QR codes in transportation serve the same purpose as in any other field – they provide quick access to digital information. In the context of transportation, these codes can link to anything from real-time bus schedules and digital tickets to detailed route maps and passenger surveys.
The beauty of QR codes in transportation lies in their versatility. They can be used for:

  1. Ticketing and Boarding Passes
  2. Real-time Travel Information
  3. Navigation Assistance
  4. Contactless Payments
  5. Feedback Collection
  6. Access to Wi-Fi Networks

Let’s break down how QR codes work in each of these areas.

Digital Ticketing and Boarding Passes

Gone are the days of fumbling with paper tickets. Many transportation companies now offer digital tickets accessible via QR codes. Passengers can simply scan the code at the gate or show it to the conductor, streamlining the boarding process and reducing paper waste.

Real-time Travel Information

QR codes placed at bus stops, train platforms, or inside vehicles can provide instant access to up-to-date schedules, delay information, and estimated arrival times. This helps passengers plan their journeys more effectively.

Navigation Assistance

In large transportation hubs like airports or train stations, QR codes can help passengers navigate. Scanning a code on a map or sign can provide turn-by-turn directions to your gate, platform, or desired amenity.

Contactless Payments

With the rise of mobile wallets, QR codes are becoming a popular method for making contactless payments for transportation services. This is especially useful for services like bike-sharing or e-scooter rentals.

Feedback Collection

Transportation providers can use QR codes to collect passenger feedback quickly and easily. A simple scan can lead passengers to a survey about their travel experience.

Access to Wi-Fi Networks

Many transportation hubs and vehicles now offer free Wi-Fi. QR codes can provide a quick and secure way for passengers to connect to these networks without having to type in long passwords.

How do QR Codes in Transportation Work?

The functionality of QR codes in transportation is similar to their use in marketing. They serve as a bridge between the physical and digital worlds, allowing passengers to access information or services instantly with just a smartphone.
When a passenger scans a QR code (using their smartphone camera or a QR code reader app), they’re typically directed to a specific webpage. This could be a digital ticket in their mobile wallet, a real-time update page for their journey, or an online form for feedback.
One of the key advantages of using QR codes in transportation is the ability to update the linked information in real-time. For instance, if a train is delayed, the information accessed through a QR code can be updated instantly, ensuring passengers always have the most current information.

QR Codes in Transportation: Use Cases

Let’s look at some real-world examples of how QR codes are being used in transportation:

  1. London’s Contactless Oyster Cards: Transport for London uses QR codes on Oyster cards, allowing passengers to quickly top up their balance or check their journey history by scanning the code with their smartphone.
  2. Singapore’s Bus Stops: Many bus stops in Singapore feature QR codes that, when scanned, provide real-time information about bus arrivals and routes.
  3. Uber and Lyft at Airports: These ride-sharing companies often use QR codes at airports to help passengers find their designated pickup areas and connect with their drivers more easily.
  4. Deutsche Bahn’s Ticket System: Germany’s national railway company uses QR codes for digital tickets, allowing passengers to board trains by simply showing the code on their smartphone.
  5. New York City’s MTA Contactless Payment: The Metropolitan Transportation Authority has implemented a system where passengers can pay for subway and bus rides by scanning a QR code with their smartphone.

The Impact of QR Codes in Transportation

The adoption of QR codes in transportation has led to several notable improvements:

  • Increased Efficiency: Digital ticketing and boarding passes reduce queues and speed up the boarding process.
  • Better Informed Passengers: Real-time information access helps passengers make informed decisions about their journeys.
  • Enhanced User Experience: From easier navigation to simpler Wi-Fi access, QR codes make the overall travel experience smoother.
  • Environmental Benefits: Digital tickets and information reduce the need for paper, contributing to sustainability efforts.
  • Improved Data Collection: Transportation providers can gather more accurate data about usage patterns, helping them optimize their services.

How to Generate a QR Code for your transportation needs

If you’re looking to implement QR codes in your transportation services, you’re in the right place! My QR Code is a dedicated QR code generator, with an emphasis on simplicity. We’ve built our platform from the ground up to ensure even complete beginners will be able to generate their own QR codes quickly. Let’s see how easy it can be:

  1. Head to the My QR Code generator page – We’ll use the Link QR Code Generator as an example, but for other needs, you can generate QR codes for PDFs, Social Media, Business Pages, and so much more!
  2. Next, you’ll need to paste the link to the webpage you want to direct users to in the required field. It’s also a good idea to name your QR code, so you can find it easily later if you need to change anything.
  3. Moving on, you’ll need to design your QR code. My QR Code allows you to tweak the appearance of your QR code in multiple ways; change the color, choose between QR pattern and corner square presets, and even add your own logo for a fully branded QR experience!
  4. Once you’re done, click ‘Finish’, and head on to the next page where you’ll find your finished QR code. Make sure to give it a test scan, and ensure everything is in working order.
  5. Finally, save your QR code as a JPEG, PNG, or SVG, and you’re done!

We weren’t kidding when we said it was easy! Keep in mind, if you’re looking to resize your QR code for use on different transportation materials, we’d recommend saving as an SVG or PNG, which will help maintain the quality of your QR code, whatever the size. Also, have a quick read on the best size of QR codes, to ensure you size your QR code appropriately for your needs.