Gemalto, a Dutch world leader in digital security, was selected by Telecom Italia Mobile (TIM) to participate in a project to implement a Near Field Communication (NFC) system. In the city of Trente, northern Italy, TIM subscribers will be able to take the bus using their cellphone as a smartcard.

“Gemalto provides TIM with transport applications embedded in the SIM cards to allow TIM customers to use their mobile phone as a convenient access device to take public transportation.“

Source: Gemalto

“Ticket issuance becomes more efficient and interactive”

Gemalto systems, integrated in the SIM card of cellphones, will allow users to buy transportation tickets through their cellphone from anywhere and then use it while riding the transit network. The contactless technology allows passengers to use their cellphones as if they had a smartcard: a way for the user to carry less devices, and for the transit authority to reduce its operating costs. Dematerialising tickets, as it has been done since June 1 with airlines tickets (see References from the Transport Information Group below), it removes part of the ticket issuance costs, reduces access point’s maintenance expenses, and also minimizes fraud.

The system will also allow the transit authority to provide its customers with complimentary information, such as schedules and maps, that will be sent directly to the passengers cellphones, “enrich[ing] the users travel experience”.

What is Near Field Communication?

Near Field Communication (NFC) is a contactless technology which can be used to make purchases, pay for a bus or subway ride, or even grab information on the fly from posters. It is especially used in mobile phones, combining the benefits of being “network connected”, with proximity services in every day’s life.

In this focus on NFC you can get an understanding of how far this technology has come, where it is being used and read what the experts have to say about the future prospects for NFC.

Source: Gemalto

Gemalto NFC transport infrastructures examples in France

  • 2005 - with Bouygues Telecom, and RATP in Paris: first SIM-based contactless system;
  • 2006 - with Bouygues Telecom, and Transdev in Grenoble and its region: contactless program;
  • 2007 - with SFR, and RATP in Paris: advanced user interface managed by a tiny smart card embedded web server that leverages the handsets browser features.
  • 2007 - with SFR, NRJ Mobile, and Compagnie des Transports Strasbourgeois in Strasbourg: first extended NFC program (payment and transport applications using the same SIM).
  • 2007 - with Orange, SNCF, and Keolis in Rennes: multi-modal set of contactless services (bus, trams, trains, parking and smart posters).

References

  • Press release: Building on its Transport Contactless Expertise, Gemalto Supports TIM’s Deployment of First NFC Program in Italy, Gemalto, May 27, 2008: here
  • Website: Gemalto, Near Field Communication page: here

References from the Transport Information Group