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You have used the only WordPress Bus booking plugin, but now you want to add QR code experience.
Adding a QR code system on your WordPress bus ticketing website can simplify ticket validation and enhance the overall passenger experience.
According to Statisa, “Scan. Board. Go. 89 million Americans are already using QR codes for public transport. By 2025, that’ll be nearly 100 million. The future of ticketing is in your pocket.”
The WpBusTicketly plugin, paired with its QR Code Addon, offers a seamless solution for bus operators to implement QR code-based ticket verification. This blog post provides a step-by-step guide to setting up the Bus Ticket QR Code on your WordPress site using WpBusTicketly.
Prerequisites
Before you begin, ensure you have the following:
- A WordPress website up and running.
- The WpBusTicketly free and Pro plugin installed and activated.
- The WooCommerce plugin installed, as WpBusTicketly integrates with it for payments.
- The QR Code Addon for WpBusTicketly purchased and installed (available as a premium addon).
- Basic knowledge of WordPress dashboard navigation.
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Install and Activate WpBusTicketly
Visit WpBusTicketly website.
Click Purchase Now and select your desired plan.
Select check out and click Purchase.
You will get the zip file and license of the plugin.
Log in to your WordPress Dashboard.
Navigate to Plugins > Add New.
Upload the “Bus Ticket Booking with Seat Reservation Pro”.
Locate the WpBusTicketly Pro plugin, click Install Now, and then Activate.
Note: If you’re using the Pro version for advanced features like PDF tickets, ensure it’s installed and activated. The Pro version is required for the QR Code Addon to function fully.
So click Install Mage PDF.
Activate Mage PDF.
Step 2: Install the QR Code Addon
Purchase the QR Code Addon for WpBusTicketly from the official MagePeople website .
Select the plan and provide details and complete the payment.
You will get the file and license.
Download the addon plugin file (usually a .zip file).
In your WordPress dashboard, go to Plugins > Add New > Upload Plugin.
Upload the QR Code Addon .zip file, then click Install Now and Activate.
Note: The QR Code Addon is a separate plugin that enhances WpBusTicketly’s functionality. Ensure the core WpBusTicketly plugin is active before installing the addon.
Step 3: Configure WpBusTicketly
- Go to WpBusTicketly in the WordPress dashboard (usually found in the left sidebar).
- Set up your bus routes, seat plans, and pricing:
- Navigate to Bus > Add New to create bus routes with details like origin, destination, and seat layout.
- Use the seat plan editor to design your bus’s seating arrangement (e.g., single or double-decker).
- Add the search form and results page to your website:
- Create a page for the search form using the shortcode [wbtm-bus-search-form] (e.g., on a page called “Bus Search”).
- Create another page for search results using the shortcode [wbtm-bus-search] and ensure the page slug is set to /bus-search-list/ in Settings > Permalinks.
- Save and test the booking system to ensure routes and seat selection work correctly.
To learn more about WpBusTicketly configuration, check out how to create bus booking website.
Step 4: Test the Booking and QR Code System
Make a Test Booking:
Visit your website’s bus search page, select a route, choose a seat, and complete the booking process via WooCommerce checkout.
Click View Seats.
Select the seat and Click Book Now.
Check your cart and proceed to checkout.
Add all the details and place the order.
After placing the order you will receive a download button and also an email with a PDF ticket containing a scannable QR code.
Download the ticket.
This is how your ticket looks like with a QR code.
Test QR Code Scanning:
Use a free QR code reader app (e.g., any QRL app on iOS or Android) to scan the QR code from the PDF ticket.
After scanning the ticket it will show a link.
Open the link and go to your Bus dashboard.
Ensure the scan displays the ticket details and updates the check-in status in the WpBusTicketly passenger list.
Check the Passenger List in the admin panel (WpBusTicketly > Passenger List) to confirm that the check-in status is updated after scanning.
You can watch the video and find the steps more easy.
Step 5: Verify Payment and Security
- Ensure your WooCommerce payment gateways (e.g., PayPal, Stripe) are configured correctly for secure transactions.
- Test the payment process to confirm that bookings are processed and QR codes are generated only after successful payment.
Step 6: Optional – Enhance with the Bahon Theme
For a professional look, consider using the Bahon Bus Booking Theme by MagePeople, which is optimized for WpBusTicketly. Install the theme via Appearance > Themes > Add New, upload the Bahon theme, and activate it. This theme enhances the visual appeal of your booking system and ensures compatibility with the QR code feature.
To use bahon theme, check out how to install Bahon theme.
Step 7: Monitor and Manage
- Use the Passenger List feature in the Pro version to filter passengers by journey date and view check-in statuses.
- Export passenger data in CSV format for reporting or record-keeping.
- Leverage the Sales Reports feature (Pro version) to analyze monthly or yearly sales and track QR code usage.
Troubleshooting Tips
- Search Form Not Showing: Ensure the [wbtm-bus-search-form] shortcode is added to a page.
- 404 Error on Search Results: Verify the search results page slug is set to /bus-search-list/ and re-save permalinks in Settings > Permalinks.
- QR Code Not Scanning: Check that the QR code settings are enabled and the PDF ticket template is correctly configured. Test with multiple QR code reader apps.
- Need Support? Contact the MagePeople support team at support@mage-people.com for prompt assistance with customization or issues.
Benefits of Using the QR Code Addon
- Efficient Validation: QR codes allow quick ticket verification, reducing boarding time.
- Anti-Fraud: Once scanned, tickets are marked as used, preventing duplicate usage.
- COVID-19 Compliance: Check-in records can be stored for contact tracing if required.
- User-Friendly: Passengers can display QR codes on smartphones or printed tickets for seamless travel.
Conclusion
By integrating the WpBusTicketly QR Code Addon with the WpBusTicketly plugin, you can create a modern, efficient bus ticketing system with secure QR code validation. This setup enhances the customer experience, streamlines operations, and provides robust management tools for bus operators. For more details or to purchase the QR Code Addon, visit https://mage-people.com. Test your setup thoroughly, and you’ll have a professional bus booking system ready to go!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is a QR code necessary for bus tickets?
QR codes simplify the ticket validation process by allowing quick scanning at boarding points, reducing manual checks and errors. They enhance security by ensuring tickets are used only once and can store passenger data for contact tracing, which is useful for compliance with health regulations like COVID-19 protocols.
How do you use a QR code bus ticket?
After booking, receive your PDF ticket via email with an embedded QR code.
Present the QR code (on your smartphone or printed ticket) to the bus operator or authorized personnel.
The QR code is scanned using a QR code reader app or device, which verifies your ticket details and updates the check-in status in the system.
When should you not use a QR code for bus tickets?
Low-Tech Environments: If your passengers or staff lack access to QR code scanners or reliable internet, manual tickets may be more practical.
Short Routes with Low Volume: For small-scale operations with minimal passengers, the cost of implementing a QR code system may outweigh the benefits.
Security Concerns: If your website isn’t updated to the latest WpBusTicketly version (5.4.4+), vulnerabilities could compromise QR code data, so ensure updates are applied.
Can passengers use QR codes without a smartphone?
Yes, passengers can print the PDF ticket containing the QR code and present it for scanning. The QR code is embedded in the PDF, so no smartphone is required, though a scanner is needed at the boarding point.
How secure are QR codes in WpBusTicketly?
QR codes in WpBusTicketly are secure as they are unique to each ticket and become invalid after scanning, preventing reuse.
What happens if a QR code doesn’t scan?
If a QR code fails to scan, check the ticket’s clarity (e.g., avoid smudged prints or low screen brightness). Verify the QR code reader app is functional. As a backup, the ticket’s booking ID or passenger details can be manually checked in the WpBusTicketly passenger list by the admin.
Can I customize the QR code appearance?
Yes, the QR Code Addon allows customization of QR code size and appearance in the PDF ticket template. You can adjust these settings in WpBusTicketly > Settings > QR Code Settings to align with your branding.
Does the QR Code Addon work with all WordPress themes?
Yes, the QR Code Addon is compatible with any WordPress theme, but for optimal performance, consider using the Bahon Bus Booking Theme by MagePeople, which is designed specifically for WpBusTicketly.
How do I assign staff to scan QR codes?
In WpBusTicketly > Settings > QR Code Settings, assign a user role (e.g., “Checker”) to specific staff members. Only users with this role can scan and validate QR codes, ensuring controlled access.
Is the QR Code Addon included in the WpBusTicketly Pro version?
No, the QR Code Addon is a separate premium purchase from MagePeople. It requires the WpBusTicketly plugin Pro to function, but it is not bundled with the Pro version.
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