In the context of a surge in international travel , reliance on mobile apps creates many inconveniences: installation, login, authentication, and mobile data requirements. "App-free" solutions such as self-service kiosks and open payment systems allow passengers to complete transactions quickly: enter destination, select service, and tap their bank card or e-wallet to pay.
Hotel guests can book services using kiosks without an app, with just a simple tap. (Source: Taxibutler)
Multi-service kiosks
Uber is a prime example, having implemented ride-hailing kiosks at LaGuardia Airport (New York). Passengers enter their destination, select a vehicle, pay directly with a card or e-wallet, and receive a printed receipt with a trip code. This solution targets international travelers without data plans, users with dead batteries, or those seeking a quick and convenient option.
Pradeep Parameswaran, Uber's global head of mobility, said: "We're pushing solutions to make getting around easier and cheaper, especially during peak times at airports." Uber plans to expand its kiosks to hotels, seaports, and major tourist destinations.
Users select their preferred vehicle and pay directly at the Uber kiosk without needing to use the mobile app. (Source: Uber)
According to Visa , in 2024, tap-to-ride technology was widespread across more than 750 global transportation systems, reducing ticket costs and enhancing the experience for international travelers. In New York, the OMNY system replaced MetroCard, allowing passengers to simply tap their card or digital wallet to ride trains, eliminating the need for a separate app or card.
International airports are industrializing the self-service experience with modern kiosk systems, allowing passengers to check in, print boarding passes, attach baggage tags, and pay fees on the spot. In addition, kiosks also assist with terminal map lookups, currency exchange, and booking local services.
With their intuitive interface and multilingual support, they help reduce congestion, increase throughput, and save on personnel costs. With just one employee supervising multiple kiosks, passenger waiting times can be shortened by 3–4 times compared to traditional counters.
Open and secure payments
Alongside kiosks, the trend towards open payment is spreading. Passengers only need a bank card or e-wallet to pay for transport services, without needing a separate app or card from the system. In London, TfL allows the use of EMV contactless cards on all buses and trains, reducing operating costs and eliminating cash.
These solutions come with security mechanisms: printing receipts, trip codes, and verifying information without exchanging phone numbers or app accounts, limiting the risk of personal data leakage.
“The ‘tap-to-go’ feature has gone from a ‘convenience’ to a ‘necessity’ — we’ve seen a 30% reduction in ticket processing costs and a 9.5% increase in usage,” shared Nick Mackie, Vice President and Global Head of Urban Transportation at Visa.
Modern kiosk designs prioritize inclusivity: voice support, screen reading, raised buttons, multilingual support, and ease of use for people with disabilities and the elderly. This is not only a legal requirement but also enhances brand image and customer experience.
Beyond airports, companies plan to deploy kiosks at hotels, seaports, and major tourist destinations. Butler Taxi has introduced a taxi booking kiosk in hotel lobbies, supporting contactless payments and printing QR codes for vehicle tracking. In Southeast Asia, Grab is testing a booking kiosk at airports, serving customers with unstable mobile connectivity.
Digital information screens at airports assist passengers with flight inquiries, terminal maps, and local services—allowing them to self-serve without the need for mobile apps. (Source: Airportscouncil)
"App-free travel" isn't about abandoning smartphones, but about reducing friction and opening up more physical interaction channels. From Uber Kiosks to open payment systems, these solutions are shaping a new travel experience: fast, safe, and accessible to everyone.
Source: https://vtcnews.vn/du-lich-khong-can-ung-dung-xu-huong-cong-nghe-toan-cau-tu-san-bay-den-khach-san-ar992271.html
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