Interoperability is a key issue for transport networks. As mobility becomes increasingly multimodal and passengers expect seamless journeys, ticketing systems must be able to communicate with each other. However, behind this necessity lies a complex mix of technical, financial, and political challenges, particularly in France, where each region sets its own rules.

At Matawan, we have made interoperability a priority, developing a hybrid approach that adapts to both national and international constraints. Let’s break down where we stand today and what the future holds.

1. The Basics of Fare Interoperability

Fare interoperability enables passengers to travel across different networks using a single transport ticket. However, different ticketing technologies shape how this is implemented.

• CBT (Card-Based Ticketing) – The transport ticket is stored and validated directly on the passenger’s medium (smart card, paper ticket, smartphone, etc.). This has been the historical approach but requires heavy infrastructure and complex coordination between operators.
• ABT (Account-Based Ticketing) – Here, the transport ticket is not stored on the medium but rather in a centralized account in the cloud. The passenger validates their journey by identifying themselves with a card, smartphone, or another device, and the system processes the information in real time.
• Hybrid – A combination of CBT and ABT, ensuring compatibility between existing infrastructures while enabling a smooth transition to modern solutions.

2. Interoperability in Transport: Where Do We Stand Today?

A Major Breakthrough with ABT-CBT Hybridization

To enable interoperability with CBT-based systems such as SNCF’s (France’s national railway company), Matawan, a pioneer in ticketing interoperability, developed a hybrid ABT-CBT system in 2020. This breakthrough allows interoperability without worrying about partner system technologies! Today, this system is operational across multiple cities and regions, including Région Sud in France (5 million inhabitants) , the first fully hybrid regional transport network in France.

Hybrid System, Innovative Solutions

Matawan’s hybrid system makes interoperability seamless. For example, a passenger at a train station can validate their ABT ticket on a Matawan validator, which simultaneously writes necessary information onto their transport card. If a SNCF controller checks their ticket later, they can still read the information from the card.

This “interoperability control” solution simplifies travel by combining multiple modes of transport (bus, shuttle, bike, train) within a single mobility zone—without extra validation steps for the passenger.

For public authorities, this also guarantees flexibility in fare policy without requiring costly system developments for every pricing change.

Deployment and International Recognition

Our interoperability control solution, developed by Billettique Services, a Matawan subsidiary, was awarded the 2023 Calypso Award for Innovation of the Year.

This interoperability model is already in operation, including in La Rochelle (170 000 inhabitants) and soon in Reims (300 000 inhabitants), which will be France’s first fully hybrid network. The entire range of interoperable ticketing functions will be deployed there!

3. The Future: ABT-to-ABT Interoperability?

Today, with ABT-CBT hybrid interoperability, we have successfully overcome a major challenge. Looking ahead, ABT will increasingly replace CBT, leading to the next milestone: ABT-to-ABT interoperability.

• ABT-to-ABT Interoperability – A model where transport tickets are fully managed in the cloud, eliminating the need for storage on cards or shared physical infrastructures.
• Flexible Ticketing Management – Authorities can add or modify fares without technical constraints or system overhauls.
• Seamless Passenger Experience – Travelers can validate their journeys with any connected device (smartphone, NFC card, QR code, etc.).

By fully transitioning to ABT, authorities will be able to simplify transport network management, integrate new mobility partners, and offer frictionless journeys to passengers.

Conclusion

Interoperability is more than just a technical challenge—it is the key to a seamless, accessible mobility ecosystem. At Matawan, we have already achieved major milestones with hybrid deployments and future-focused innovation.

The next step? Accelerating the transition to full ABT interoperability, making ticketing systems simpler, more efficient, and better suited to the mobility challenges of tomorrow.