IER has equipped the newly opened Eurostar stations and existing stations with automated gates and check-in desk equipment.

From November 14th, Eurostar passengers started using the new self-service check-in gates installed by IER, which have replaced the existing ones, before boarding their trains.

Eurostar has purchased from IER 31 automatic gates equipped with readers for tickets with magnetic stripe as well as barcode readers. Also included in this order were 12 IER 978 self-service kiosks for the e-ticketed passengers, IER 567 ticket printers as well as barcode readers for the 41 staffed check-in desks installed along the automatic gate lines to complete the system.

A first pilot site started in September 2007 in the United Kingdom, in advance of the first installation at Eurostar’s new central London station St Pancras International.  The station was officially opened by HM The Queen on 6 November with services launching on November 14th 2007. Operations from St Pancras International coincide with the opening of the second section of the UK’s first high speed railway line, High Speed 1, cutting journey times by at least 20mins. The new check-in equipment will be progressively rolled out across all of Eurostar’s stations in the UK, France and Belgium.

High technology gates

The 31 new gates replace the gates installed fifteen years ago by Automatic Systems, specialized in pay to access and secured access systems and today a subsidiary of IER. Integrating the new trends of transportation ticketing as well as the latest technologies, these gates will read both the ATB tickets (IATA format) with magnetic stripe in use today and barcoded tickets. Moreover, they could be equipped easily with complementary equipment if required.

For Eurostar travellers, these new gates be very easy to use and will allow a faster and smoother check-in than the previous ones.

Reuben Arnold, Head of Customer Service Projects, says: “Eurostar strives to deliver the most seamless of travel experiences.  A smooth and hassle-free check-in for our travellers is one of the most important steps to delivering this proposition.  IER were able to respond to our very specific and demanding requirements in this critical area.  Their innovative solutions will allow Eurostar to continue to improve the service we provide, including new ticketing technologies, keeping Eurostar travellers ahead of the game.”

Automatic Systems / IER Synergies to better serve Eurostar

The new gates are the achievement of a close cooperation between IER and its subsidiary Automatic Systems. They integrate in one full function device high performance readers manufactured by IER and highly reliable gates with retractable obstacles designed and manufactured by Automatic Systems. Both teams will also ensure together the maintenance of the equipment after deployment.

A global IER solution

For the ground transportation market, IER proposes global solutions including the design and manufacturing of hardware, software development as well as installation and maintenance. This global solution provides the benefits of a unique supplier bringing together its expertise and competences to better serve its customers.

Suresnes, January 18th, 2008