Ticket sales, passenger services, lease, advertising: MDA S.A. about the experience of commercializing a bus station

Tomasz Kulaj, Chief Operating Officer of Małopolskie Dworce Autobusowe S.A. (MDA S.A.), spoke about the methods of commercialization of the station's operation on the example of the Central Bus Station in Krakow.

In his speech at the IV Bus Station Managers Forum, Tomasz Kulaj, Chief Operating Officer of Małopolskie Dworce Autobusowe S.A. (MDA S.A.), spoke in detail about an effective model of commercialization of bus station operations. According to him, the strategy of MDA S.A. is based on a combination of convenient service for passengers and profitable solutions for the company.

So, what can a bus station earn on the example of the Central Bus Station in Krakow?

1. Ticket sales are the heart of commercial activity. The main revenue of the station is generated through the sale of travel documents. The bus station offers domestic and international tickets, single tickets and season tickets. The company offers different types of tickets: domestic, international, single tickets and season tickets. Sales are made through ticket offices, ticket machines, and online services. At the same time, MDA S.A. actively adheres to European service standards: cashiers speak foreign languages, undergo basic training, and passenger identification is quick and convenient.
2. Services at the station. MDA S.A. offers passengers a full range of everyday services. In particular, the station has toilets, pharmacies, kiosks and shops with various products, service points and telephone operators, ATMs, a currency exchange office, tourist information points, self-service vending machines (flowers, coffee, etc.), food outlets (restaurants, cafes, fast food, food parks, regional eateries), advertising and multimedia areas, office space (mostly for carriers and logistics companies), electronic services, luggage storage, taxi and car rental services. 
3. Catering establishments. Food zones are an important part of the station infrastructure. Successful commercialization includes advertising campaigns and adaptation to seasonality.
4. Currency exchange. A currency exchange office not only meets the needs of passengers but also raises the status of the station. However, given the risks (theft, fraud), MDA S.A. invests in security, staff training, monitoring, and cooperation with the police.
5. Baggage storage services. The company provides both manual and automated baggage storage, which allows it to respond flexibly to the needs of different categories of travelers. Automation is the key to increasing efficiency and convenience.
6. Phone charging stations. A novelty that has already become a necessity is chargers for different types of phones. This service meets the growing demand for technology and improves the overall level of service.C
7. harging stations for phones. A novelty that has already become a necessity is chargers for different types of phones. This service meets the growing demand for technology and improves the overall level of service.

Advertising potential of the station. MDA S.A. actively uses all types of advertising: outdoor, digital, billboards, audio and Wi-Fi marketing. Advertising on tickets, in transport and even in restrooms is also effective.

«Effective commercialization of the station requires a comprehensive approach with a clear vision of development. It is important to adapt services to the needs of different groups of passengers and regularly invest in quality, safety and staff training. This will result in increased revenues, competitiveness and the image of the transport infrastructure in general», — summarized Tomasz Kulaj.