Digital security firm Gemalto has revealed the commercial launch of a contactless transport ticket wristband in partnership with French public transit operator Keolis Lille.
The launch is aimed at ensuring hassle free journeys in and around the French city of Lille, which plays host to six Euro 2016 football matches this summer.
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Transpole, the transport network operated by Keolis Lille, is expecting a significant increase in travelers, as the city is expected to receive up to 300,000 additional visitors for the tournament.
Users can use ‘Partenaire des Supporters’ branded wristband to on Lille’s bus, tram and metro services.
Though the wristbands have been launched specially for the Euro 2016 finals, but travelers will be able to use them indefinitely on Lille’s public transport system, Gemalto said.
The wristbands can be reloaded with the complete range of transport passes (except subscriptions) in all Transpole kiosks.
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By GlobalDataUnder the agreement, Gemalto will supply Keolis Lille with its Celego contactless wristbands, based on Calypso, an international contactless standard for transport ticketing and city services.
Keolis Lille commercial and marketing director Francine Velthuizen said: "The new wristbands reflect our commitment to putting travelers at the heart of the Keolis Lille innovation strategy. Gemalto is a long term partner with whom we have already launched the "Pass Pass" transport card. We are delighted to now deploy their new technology – a world first in the public transport domain."
Philippe Cambriel, president for Europe, Mediterranean and CIS at Gemalto, said: "As the trend for wearable technology gathers pace, there is growing interest in our ability to deliver highly compact contactless ticketing solutions in novel and convenient formats such as wristbands.
"It represents another step forward in our partnership with Keolis Lille, and puts them at the forefront of the drive to make public transport more enjoyable and accessible."
