Is there someone who has a good experience in using a software program for ticketing and reservations who can recommend the system?

Specifically, we need the ability for passengers to go online and purchase a ticket via credit card and print their receipt for ticketless travel. We also need to capture names, ages, etc. to pass along to a federal agency.

Can anyone make a recommendation for such a system?

http://rypn.sunserver.com/forum/viewtop ... servations

http://rypn.sunserver.com/forum/viewtop ... servations

There were some systems demonstrated at TRAIN / ARM, but I didn't visit the vendors since I had no interest in them. Perhaps somebody who did can provide some insight?

I was very interested in the Form 4 calculating program developed by Mark Ray and the other geniuses at TVRR, but only had a chance to take a fast look. If this keeps up, we will soon be entering late 20th century technology!

dave

That would be very unfortunate. Form 4s should ONLY be calculated using historically accurate no. 2 pencils, sharpened with a penknife, and using long division. No newfangled slide rules, calculators, and ESPECIALLY no computers. It would ruin the experience otherwise ;)

JAC

Does this mean I have to scrap my ultrasounic transducer and drill swiss cheese holes in the boiler to caliprate the thicknesses?

I actually do a lot of what calcs I can on the backs of old bits of paper. If it wa good enough for Einstein to work out the size and shape of the universe, it is way too good for me.

dave

Jim, I would suggest talking to a couple of operators who have been through the learning curve and have proven on-line systems up and running. Two (of many) that come to mind are .....newhoperailroad.com and strasburgrailroad.com
Both handle substantial volumnes and have all the features you mentioned. I know in the case of the NH&I that the majority of their substantial holiday train bookings are done on the internet and with virtually no problems.
The guy to talk with at New Hope is Paul Harland,Mgr. Pssgr. Operations. I know they went through quite a learning curve to get where they are today. Good luck.
Ross Rowland

The Northwest Railway Museum in Washington developed their own system and it was included in the presentation on ticketing at the recent ARM/Train conference. It is a custom system with basic functionality, high reliability, low operating costs, and it could easily be modified for other requirements. Their development costs were $10k- $15k which is really inexpensive for this type of system but your mileage may vary depending on specific requirements. Northwest's system does not pay a percentage of the ticket sale to a third party ticketing company. Drop a note to the museum to get in touch with their IT person, and possibly get a demo cd. Try info@trainmuseum.org

Jim,
We are going with dynamic ticket solutions. They are currently setting us up. So far we have gone through the set up of the online credit card. They are working on setting up our Polar Expresses right now.

Thanks Ross.

Ain't that the truth!

JAC -

I haven't retired the slide rule or the TI-30 just yet. You always still need hand calcs to back up the computer results.