French city launches Android-compatible NFC ticketing service

NFC ticketing - Person using phone on public transit

In Strasbourg, all Android phones enabled with near field communication technology can use the service.

Android smartphone owners with near field communication in their devices can use a new NFC ticketing service in Strasbourg to purchase, store and validate digital tickets and passes.

The service can be used across the French city for monthly or annual bus passes and other transportation.

The NFC ticketing service works for riders of buses, trams, and other forms of public transportation in Strasbourg, France, including regional rail services. The system was implemented by the Compagnie des Transports Strasbourgeois (CTC), the transit operator in the city. With this system, passengers can use their smartphones to buy their tickets with their phones and use the device to be able to ride public transit. The system also works with other compatible systems on other city networks.

This service represents the first time the HCE Calypso Interoperable Application (HCIA) has been used. This solution was developed by the Calypso Networks Association (CNA). It employs host card emulation (HCE) technology to ensure transaction security, as well as the Hoplink platform from CNA for enabling interoperability across all ticketing based on Calypso systems.

The NFC ticketing service was designed to provide riders with convenience and security.

“The solution enables transport operators and authorities to deliver Calypso ticketing using HCE technology on Android devices while maintaining robust Calypso security standards,” said a statement released by the CNA. “The ticketing application also has the potential to work seamlessly on other Calypso systems globally, with Calypso’s Hoplink application enabling customers to buy and hold tickets for other city networks using the service, via their Android device.”

By using this technology, transport operators and authorities alike have the opportunity to broaden their device compatibility so that a larger number of customers will have devices that will allow them to tap to pay for their local travel.

The near field communication use makes it possible for the service to be used across a range of MaaS mobility options, said the association when discussing the new NFC ticketing - Person using phone on public transitNFC ticketing system. “Significantly, passengers with Android phones can now also reload or top up their Calypso-based transport cards, making it even easier to pay and use public transport, while minimising physical contact,” it added.

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