The use of modern mobile phone technology in public transport systems is being tested in Tampere Finland.

TeliaSonera, TietoEnator and Nokia have together developed a service entity where the mobile phone is used as a travel card in public transport. Current travel card technologies and the mobile phone are made compatible with the new Near Field Communication (NFC) technology.

The service makes it possible for the passenger to load value to his or her mobile phone - and the travel card on it - wirelessly from the network and also check the balance and history of the travel card.

NFC is an international standard based on the RFID technology. It enables an easy and secure use of the mobile phone as a smartcard in ticketing and payment transactions, for example. The trial will collect experiences to be utilized in revamping the Tampere City ticket system.

full article in 4Hoteliers December 26th