Big Apple Workers Switch to RFID Payments

Big Apple Workers Switch to RFID Payments

Tech Web/K.C. Jones | November 1 2005

After a long wait, commuters traveling between New Jersey and New York could soon be using RFID technology to board trains.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey voted four years ago to approve the project, but only began to establish guidelines for their use last Spring. The PA plans to install readers in 13 stations by next Spring.

The PA is offering to help the Metropolitan Transportation Authority make similar improvements in New York City next year. Though the MTA has money set aside to install readers and issue RFID cards to riders, its board has not yet voted to take the step.

Similar technology was installed on toll sections of New York's Interstate 87. Drivers on the New York State Thruway have been using EZ Pass since the early 90s.

RFID cards are already being used by train and bus commuters in other cities, including Washington and Chicago.

and remember kids, the new freedom dictatorship is a global thing...

RFID payments on track in Scandinavia

Contactless payment on trains and buses...


By Will Sturgeon

Published: Tuesday 1 November 2005

Ticketing on public transport in Norway and Sweden is being revolutionised by the introduction of a new payment system using RFID smart cards.

The scheme, planned to go live in 2006, is a further endorsement for contactless payment which is growing in popularity, especially in public transport.

With similarities to the Oyster Card programme running in London, the system being introduced on Norwegian State Railways (NSB), by Arcontia and Unified Consulting, will see commuters able to pay for travel using RFID-chipped smart cards.

Unlike Oyster Cards there will still be human interaction with train conductors, who are being equipped with 1,000 pocket PCs with card readers for collecting payment and validating e-tickets.

Benedicte Overgaard, project manager for mobile terminals at NSB, said in a statement: "Working in the train validating and selling tickets is a different environment from sitting in front of a computer in an office. Therefore we depend on ergonomic equipment adapted to the conductors working environment. We are very happy with the slim design and the light weight of the smart card reader from Arcontia that will simplify the work in the train."