French public rail trials USB combo ticket system
French public rail trials USB combo ticket system
In an effort to facilitateticketpurchasing, SNCF -- France's public rail system -- will commence a 1,000 user trial of its Weneosmartcard system this Fall. Riders will be able to purchaseticketswith the small USB dongles at turnstiles via RFID. Once the balance is depleted, users can refill their accounts by plugging the devices into a computer, whereby they're transported to the SNCF's online hub. Since only the rider's account number is stored in the RFID portion of the smart card, this system allows commuters hassle-free ticket purchasing, all while keeping important information privy from hackers - information that some RFID devices seem to have problems keeping secret. If all goes well, SNCF expects to expand the use of Weneo nationwide by 2010.
VIA
This fall, French public transportation company SNCF intends to begin employing RFID-enabled smart cards with USB connectivity, in order to allow users to plug the cards into a PC or laptop, automatically connect to the SNCF Web site and add funds to the cards from home. Approximately 1,000 SNCF customers will pilot the Weneo smart cards as part of the company's home-paymenteffort.
The system, known as Weneo ID Smart, is being provided by contactlesstechnologystartup firm Neowave. The pilot is part of SNCF's push into contactless payment options for all of the company's customers, either through NFC cards, such as some customers are already utilizing, or via payment devices, such as the Weneo ID Smart.
The Weneo ID pilot will take place in four as-yet-unnamed regions of France. If the system is well received by transit customers, says Jol Eppe, chief of SNCF's Innovation andTechnologiesDepartment, SNFC could expand thesolutionnationwide in 2010.
SNCF customers currently use contactless payment cards in 10 regions throughout France. Patrons can uploadpaymentsonto the cards using contactless payment readers in a particular station, then use the payments for train rides. The cost of each ride is deducted from the cards either by RFID readers deployed in the stations, or by SNCF train staffers carrying handheld interrogators.
Pending a modernization plan benefiting all travelers, the SNCF is aimed at subscribers technophiles TER and RER. It launches a partnership with the company Gemalto and testing a ticket combining innovative USB Flash Drive and Navigo passes.
Its USB to renew a subscription or buy a ticket from any computer connected to the Internet. Connection to RFID as it allows, like the Navigo passes Francilien or card OuRA Lyonnaise, through the turnstiles security stations and travel without contact. The technology used is exactly the same, controllers therefore retain the same devices.
The marketing manager of the transport manufacturer who provides the USB keys, Cyril Villemin, announced a "pilot phase was launched for a period of several months. The SNCF about it wished to communicate has neither the cost nor the date of availability of the device. We know, however, that it will initially be available in 10 regions in which it is already possible to travel without contact. The company rail transport could also launch his side a card reader that will conduct operations from his computer while maintaining its existing card. The latter has the advantage of being fit in any portfolio while the key solution is a USB all-in-one.
It is interesting to see that the SNCF dwell on this innovative technology which allows for smoother traffic in stations, one of pedestrians at the entrances and exits of these remains now to follow the same process on track ...
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