Soon, flash mobile for Metro rides

KOLKATA: Smart tokens and cards on the Metro network may be out. Metro Railway has already begun work on a project to introduce a system allowing smartphone users to flash their phones at the gates for rides. The Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS) has already been asked to develop software for this.

“We have constantly been working towards providing better passenger amenities. We want fewer people to queue up for tokens or recharge smart cards. As a first step, we are trying to introduce an online recharging facility for smart cards. Many people have complained that it’s tedious to queue up for recharging. Once implemented, they can log in from anywhere and maintain their balance. We are also on the way to introduce smartphone mobile ticketing,” said Indrani Banerjee, CPRO, Metro Railway.

Once this system is launched, mobile users will need a special SIM to maintain a balance in the attached e-wallet. They must key in the originating station and destination whenever they wish to use the Metro. When the mobile screen is brought close to the sensor, the Automatic Fare Collection and Passenger Control (AFCPC) gate will generate and accept a QR code. The fare will automatically be deducted from the e-wallet.
The concept is based on Near Field Communication (NFC) technology.

READ MORE :  

The software will enable the smart gates to support NFC. Under this technology, the smart card is placed inside the phone through the SIM. People may not need to get double-SIM telephones for this. Existing SIM cards can be upgraded to have this feature. The cell phone system is likely hardware-based, as software-based smart cards are still not secure modes of currency storage for transportation.NFC readers have now become a part of smartphone news. The system was introduced by the Hong Kong Metro in 2015.

“CRIS will have several demonstrations before we are satisfied. We can’t take a chance with this, as there would be chaos if something went wrong and people could not enter stations even after paying. However, we will continue with smart cards and tokens, as not everybody will be comfortable with this system. We are sure fewer people will queue up at counters,” Banerjee said.

You might also like