Sweden’s national rail transport operator SJ says it is the first train operator in the world to trial a microchip implant ticket on its services. Passengers signed up to the company’s loyalty scheme, SJ Prio, will be among the first to use the new system and the project is currently being evaluated.
The idea came from SJ’s innovation partner, Epicenter, which gives its members the option of using either a microchip or traditional key card to gain entry into its offices in central Stockholm.
„Some of SJ’s business at Epicenter got in touch and asked for the possibility to use the microchips for the train ride. Pretty soon we realized that it was doable with a little development of our mobile platforms. Now here we are a few weeks later and will begin test which feels fantastic”, says Lina Edström on SJ’s business sales department.
The microchip uses Near Field Communication (NFC) – the same technology used by contactless mobile phone applications. The technology, NFC, and is already used by SJ earlier visa for SJ Regional transport.
SJ is already one of Sweden’s most digital companies which contributed to a short start of the project. The microchipping ticket is a good example of how we like to try new ideas with customers and operate the digital future development, said Peter Dahlqvist, head of SJ’s business sales.
The microchip includes the passenger’s membership number and ticket inspectors will scan their hand in the same way they now scan travel passes.
Share on:
