Quote:
Originally Posted by The Chemist
I think you could use RF technology (i.e. smart cards) to pay for tickets even with an honour based system. I love the smart cards used for the metro here in Shanghai because I never even have to take my wallet out of my bag when riding the metro - I just swipe my bag over the reader on the turnstile and it reads the card.
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I'm with Chemist, we need to go Smart. It would easily fit into our honour system and could be integrated into a closed-system if CT ever goes that way. I also believe that debit/credit would be useful, however, with a $2.25 fare and a ~$2.00 user charge for using debit/credit systems (eg. interact) is it really feasible? I'd also recommend that we
look into Mobile ticketing, Transport for London is testing it out currently so it would be good to keep and eye on London.
Pay-by-mobile phone trial starts in London
Wed Nov 28, 2007 9:04am EST
LONDON, Nov 28 (Reuters Life!) - Shoppers in the British capital will be able to buy Underground tickets and newspapers with a wave of their mobile phone rather than cash during a trial starting on Wednesday.
Hundreds of people have been given special handsets fitted with a built-in credit card and Oyster card, the device used to pay for train and bus tickets in London.
When the phone is passed over a scanner in stations or shops, money is deducted from the mobile phone as payment, the trial's organisers said.
People can spend up to 10 pounds at a time at selected shops and cafes, including cafe chain Coffee Republic, alcohol retailer Threshers and book shop Books Etc.
Wireless transactions are common in some countries, such as Japan, where consumers already use mobiles to pay for everything from burgers to train tickets.
Organisers say that if the six-month London trial is a success the scheme could be extended to include bigger payments, more shops and concerts and plays.
Those taking part will receive 50 pounds ($103.2) worth of Oyster journeys, 60 pounds off their O2 phone bill and 200 pounds to spend with the in-built Barclaycard.
The companies behind the trial include Transport for London, mobile phone firm O2, Barclaycard, Visa Europe, and Nokia.
(Reporting by Peter Griffiths; Editing by Steve Addison)
http://www.reuters.com/article/rbssT...86756620071128