ITDP brings you a monthly digest of sustainable transport and urban development news from around the world. From Indian Railway’s new paperless ticketing system to Sydney’s electronic signs to improve parking management, this month’s InFocus looks at how technology has helped create customer-oriented transit systems.

Cities stagnate when their residents and visitors are stuck in traffic. To provide seamless connectivity and reduce traffic delays, cities need to focus on moving people, not vehicles. This calls for the creation of high-quality rapid transit along with effective parking management systems. The integration of modern payment and ticketing technologies can go a long way toward making urban transport systems more convenient—both for first-time users and regular commuters.  Here is a look at how technology can hasten the shift to sustainable transport.

RBI issues guidelines for using prepaid payment instruments for rapid transit

To enable migration to a less-cash society, RBI has issued guidelines for issuance of prepaid payment systems in rapid transit systems. Under these guidelines, prepaid transit cards can be used to pay for transit as well as to make purchases at commercial outlets within the premises of the transit system. Financial Express reports.

Indian Railways releases app for paperless ticketing

Using the UTSonMobile app, customers can now buy  tickets on the suburban rail network without having to wait at the ticket counter. DNA gives a step-by-step guide on using the app. The system is currently operational along select routes including the suburban railways in Mumbai and Chennai. Riders can download the app from Google Play and the Windows Store.

London accepts ApplePay on bus and rail transport networks

ApplePay is a mobile payment and digital wallet service by Apple. The Telegraph explains how paying for transit fares is as simple as holding the iPhone or Apple Watch to the card reader at a ticketing barrier. Payments are made through a registered debit or credit card linked to the user’s account. Citylab explains how such tap-and-go systems can encourage the use of public transport, reduce crowding in stations, and lower fare collection costs for public transport agencies.

Sydney declutters parking signs with e-ink

To provide easier access to information about parking rules and fees, Sydney has installed fully customisable, solar-powered signs at on-street parking slots. The signs communicate with a central parking authority using cellular networks and display applicable parking rules based on the time of the day. Citylab reports.