Virgin Trains has joined a growing list of brands selling through marketplaces, as it adds its tickets to the Alexa platform.
From today, Alexa users can book an advanced single ticket using just their voice. The collaboration will enable rail travellers to sort their tickers with one simple voice-based transaction via an Alexa-enabled Amazon device, including Amazon Echo, with payment completed through Amazon Pay. The launch follows the unveiling of the Virgin Trains skill for Amazon Alexa in November last year, which allows customers to enquire about rail information by asking Alexa.
“We’re very excited to be the first travel company in the world to sell tickets for both Virgin Trains on the East Coast and West Coast through Amazon Alexa; it’s just another example of Virgin Trains leading the way in digital innovation within the rail industry. From finding train times online, to arriving at your destination, we want to make every journey with Virgin Trains amazing, and our collaboration with Amazon is a great example of this commitment to putting the customer first.”
– John Sullivan, CIO, Virgin Trains
The Virgin Trains skill for Amazon Alexa is part of a host of digital projects that will offer Virgin Trains passengers the most innovative and forward-looking customer experience, whilst providing a comfortable and smooth journey from beginning to end.
To celebrate the announcement Virgin Trains on the West Coast is offering free First Class upgrades to any passengers named Alexa travelling on their routes between May 3rd and June 15th 2018.
“While this ‘new’ form of purchasing doesn’t quite spell the end of the screen, it’s important brands and retailers start thinking innovatively about how they can incorporate this latest purchasing phenomenon into their ecommerce strategy. For brands that want to future-proof, Alexa and similar voice-controlled devices are essential to matching that consumer hunger for new technology and convenience.”
– Hugh Fletcher, Global Head of Consultancy and Innovation, Salmon
