NXP has enabled several successful mobile transit implementations as well as proven, scalable transport ticketing installations. These digitization projects underscore a growing demand for more secure and convenient options for transit ticketing and payment as well as enhancing passenger experiences while making transit operations more efficient.
Why do transit agencies around the world decide to move to mobile ticketing?.
Mobile ticketing means that high costs for ticket distribution can be reduced, as staff doesn’t need to collect paper bills and coins to issue tickets since ticket sales can be done online without handling cash. Also, the tap-and-go entry machines that read contactless tickets usually have fewer mechanical parts than entry machines that read tickets based on magnetic stripes, barcodes or QR codes. As a result, there are fewer breakdowns and lower maintenance costs for the reader infrastructure, which is especially true for large transit systems. Since ongoing maintenance costs can be a significant part of any transit authority’s operating budget, upgrading to mobile ticketing can be a cost-effective way to invest in the infrastructure.
The network that supports mobile ticketing is lean and easy to update, so transit agencies no longer have to deal with difficult updates to legacy infrastructures. Keeping a legacy reader infrastructure up-to-date can be costly and can place a strain on limited public-service funding. Compared to legacy ticketing formats, mobile ticketing doesn’t rely on real-time connections to backend offices and employs a smaller network that is easier and more cost-effective to keep updated.
With MIFARE® 2GO, transit agencies have a solution that is built upon existing MIFARE product-based infrastructures to accelerate time-to-market and have a streamlined and straightforward mobile integration. Quick deployment (between 3-6 months) can be possible with a fast and easy onboarding process combined with extensive technical support on infrastructure and backend systems.
With the one-time integration, transit agencies can enable multiple OEMs as well as reach a greater number of consumers equipped with widely-available Android phones that support near-field communication (NFC).
An effective security approach is critical for mass adoption which can be ensured by a solution that can leverage hardware security in the form of a tamper-resistant secure element (SE) in combination with a cloud-based solution.
MIFARE 2GO supports new businesses, so transit agencies stay competitive. It also provides additional sales channels with the potential for increased revenue and interactive content. Easy expansion lets transit agencies extend their services quickly.
MIFARE 2GO also provides convenient secure access to hotel rooms, offices, universities and other private locations. It supports contactless access for use on campus, at festivals, in stadiums and more. It even fosters customer loyalty with support for special mobile reward programs.
Integration with mobile wallets like Google Pay makes mobile tickets readily available and easy to top up. All that’s needed to enter the system is a quick tap of any compatible NFC-enabled Android phone. The phone screen doesn’t need to be unlocked (the screen just has to be on), for validation to occur. Riders can then move quickly and efficiently along their journeys. Beyond fare payments, commuters can use mobile-ticketing-related services to get real-time information on routes, manage their accounts and more – all with trusted services like Google Pay.
Mobile ticketing not only enhances public transport—it's also a natural complement to existing smart-card-based transit systems. With the MIFARE 2GO end-to-end cloud service solution, NXP digitizes traditional transit passes so they can seamlessly work on NFC-enabled mobile devices and, at the same time, bring transit authorities into the future of digitalization.
Global product marketing manager, NXP Semiconductors, Austria Andre Perchthaler is the Global Product Marketing Manager of Smart Mobility at NXP Semiconductors Austria. Andre is bringing new smart contactless products to life and is deeply involved in the development of NFC enabled software solutions. Andre brings broad experience and knowledge in mobile ecosystems, software industry and innovation management.
