SNCF Tests USB Train Tickets

[Lucchese DeCavalcante]

“France’s national train service (SNCF) is offering 1,000 USB TRAIN TICKETS in a trial. The tickets also contain a unique-ID RFID chip that provides wireless “easy pass” access to trains. By plugging the card into a PC USB port, the users’ computers are automatically connected to the SNCF web site, where they can make payments and get schedules. Schedules can be downloaded to the card. The cards work like a debit card — passengers buy some amount — say, 100 Euros — then the fare is deducted each time they ride. The cards also serve as photo ID, with passengers’ pictures on the outside