Russian network operator Mobile TeleSystems (MTS) has selected Gemalto's UpTeq NFC high-end SIM cards for a mobile phone-based public transport ticketing system in the city of Novosibirsk.
Operated alongside Zolotaya Korona, a Russian payment and money transfer system, the ticketing service allows users to pay for journeys on buses and the metro in Novosibirsk, by tapping their mobile phone on an NFC reader. Users will be charged for journeys via their regular MTS billing scheme.
With over 95% of public transport turnstiles and terminals in Novosibirsk already equipped with NFC readers, the new system is designed to replace the current paper tickets.
Gemalto and MTS argue that the system should cut queuing times and improve the travelling experience across the entire public transport network, throughout the city.
Thierry Mesnard, SVP, Gemalto, says: "As NFC technology moves beyond the realms of contactless payment, transportation is emerging as one of the most important applications...High profile deployments such as the MTS project in Novosibirsk will have a significant impact, getting end users accustomed to tapping their mobile phone to enjoy NFC services."