Suretap and EnStream LP, Canada's leaders in open mobile wallet and mobile payments technology respectively, have successfully completed a proof of concept that would enable transit users to pay their fares with a smartphone.
The work was conducted in a controlled environment for the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) as part of ongoing research and development activities.
"We are excited to be collaborating with STM on this mobile ticketing prototype," said Almis Ledas, President of suretap and Chief Operating Officer of EnStream. "Enabling the suretap wallet to support transit access is the next major step in the evolution of the mobile wallet, which today offers mobile commerce support for credit cards as well as gift and loyalty cards."
suretap and EnStream successfully reproduced the purchasing and validation features of STM's OPUS smart card on multiple Android mobile devices using near field communication (NFC) technology.
Downloading an app that virtually reproduces Calypso-type smart cards such as the OPUS card, the initiative tested multiple components of a quick and secure mobile ticketing solution for commuters:
- The secure storage of data-encrypted OPUS smart card credentials on NFC SIM cards.
- Fast recognition and processing (less than 500 milliseconds) of commuter OPUS credentials at turnstile transit readers, to reduce bottlenecks at entry points during peak periods.
- Ticket purchases using credit cards, downloaded into the suretap wallet app.
Bell, Rogers and Telus, which together own suretap and EnStream, supported the testing of the STM solution. Testing was carried out in a laboratory environment, using transit sales equipment similar to that currently used by STM to ensure future compatibility.