Strasbourg rolls out interoperable NFC ticketing for all Android devices

Tram at a stop in Strasbourg
INTEROPERABLE: Public transport users in Strasbourg can now use Android NFC devices to pay and travel

Owners of Android NFC smartphones can now purchase, store and validate digital tickets and monthly or annual passes for buses, trams and other public transportation services in the French city of Strasbourg on their mobile device.

Transit operator Compagnie des Transports Strasbourgeois (CTS) has rolled out an interoperable mobile ticketing service on all its transit networks, including regional rail services, that also enables passengers with Android NFC devices to purchase tickets on networks with compatible systems in other cities.

The service is the first to use the HCE Calypso Interoperable Application (HCIA) — a solution developed by the Calypso Networks Association (CNA) — that uses host card emulation (HCE) technology to secure transactions, and CNA’s Hoplink platform to enable interoperability with other Calypso-based ticketing systems.

“The solution enables transport operators and authorities to deliver Calypso ticketing using HCE technology on Android devices while maintaining robust Calypso security standards,” the CNA explains.

“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.”

“The technological advance, provided through open standards, enables transport operators and authorities to greatly expand their base of devices with which customers can tap to pay for their travel via NFC, across a range of mobility (MaaS) options,” the association adds.

“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.”

Strasbourg rolls out interoperable NFC ticketing for all Android devices was written by Tom Phillips and published by NFCW.