The platform has been live since 22 July, giving EFE the tools to put the passenger experience at the centre by offering a simpler, faster and more personalised way to buy tickets and plan a journey by train.

The implementation was completed in just six months, an exceptionally fast timeline for a system of this scope and criticality, and it marks the first S3 Passenger deployment in South America.

An improved and more personalised passenger experience

With S3 Passenger, passengers benefit from a clearer and quicker purchase process, as well as more transparent information and tools to make planning a trip easier. They also gain self-service and greater autonomy to manage tickets, change bookings or request assistance when needed - all in a more straightforward and timely way.

S3 Passenger enables EFE to offer passengers many new possibilities for their train journeys. Some examples include: 

• Adding extra services such as additional baggage, travelling with a pet, a preferred window seat, a meal or a seat upgrade

• Purchasing a single ticket for connecting journeys, for example travelling through to Constitución from any origin

• Buying a seat for a child travelling with a parent 

“Every journey begins long before boarding a train. It begins with planning, with buying the ticket, and with the peace of mind of managing every detail with ease. That is why we are renewing the way people engage with rail - offering a simpler, more comfortable and more personalised experience, and moving towards self-service for tickets with an improved after-sales experience. This new platform lets us move towards a more modern, inclusive service, centred on the needs of our passengers”, said Paula Fernández, Passengers Director at EFE Central, who led the S3 Passenger implementation project. 

One of the main advances is the introduction of new seat categories, designed to match different travel profiles and comfort levels. Each traveller can select the option that best fits their needs - they can prioritise greater comfort, a more economical trip or something in between. 

The new platform also reinforces inclusion and accessibility, with spaces designed for specific needs, including Pet Lover areas and dedicated spaces for passengers using wheelchairs. This way, every passenger can travel comfortably and safely.

Additionally, S3 Passenger brings improvements to EFE’s commercial offers and operational efficiency: the operator now has the ability to issue vouchers and run promotional fares, and the platform replaces manual processes such as cash management at stations, freeing staff to focus on passengers.

Setting a new benchmark for passenger transport in South America

The project modernises the digital backbone of EFE Central's major services, including the Chillán line, Talca-Constitución and tourist trains. By adopting S3 Passenger, EFE aligns its technology with leading operators worldwide, such as Renfe, SNCF and Brightline, signalling growing momentum across Latin America to modernise rail and bus passenger transport.

“We are not just providing a technology platform; we are supporting EFE's vision to consolidate itself as a modern and competitive player in passenger transport in Chile,” said Bart van Munster, CEO of Sqills. “We are thrilled to support EFE's modernisation and growth. By adopting the standard used by global operators, the company secures the sustainability of its operations and sets a new benchmark for rail and bus passenger experience in Latin America.”

This partnership is a natural step for EFE, since Sqills is part of Siemens Mobility, a long-standing technology partner to the Chilean operator. Siemens Mobility has continuously supported EFE's digital modernisation, including projects such as the ETCS Level 2 implementation that introduced advanced digital signalling standards to the Chilean rail network.

About EFE Trenes de Chile

EFE is the Chilean national railway company, responsible for passenger and freight transport. EFE is currently undertaking an ambitious modernisation plan to strengthen connectivity, efficiency and the passenger experience for all Chileans.