Contactless card

Contactless and contact smart-cards differ significantly only in their means of communication and how they are used. The principles outlined in the section on contact cards apply also to contactless cards. This section only considers the aspects that are specific to contactless cards, and should be read in conjunction with the section on contact cards.

Contactless smart-cards contain an integrated circuit chip, which can store data and support electronic transactions. This enables them to support secure fare products and transaction processes.  The complexity of the applications, the level of security and the amount of data that can be stored are related to the nature and capacity of the chip.

Contactless smart-cards are broadly similar to contact smart-cards in terms of the range of chips, processing power, applications, and physical dimensions (credit card size). The principle difference is the means of communication.

Contactless cards are designed to allow the card to communicate with the reading device without having to be inserted in it. Contactless cards have a wire loop embedded in the plastic. The card reader generates an induction field which is detected by the loop, and which provides the electrical power and the communication channel for data exchange.

Data exchange and transactions can take place as long as the card is within the effective range of the reader. Communication for contactless smart-cards is harmonized by international standard (ISO 14443).

The fare product applications are generally the same as those for contact cards.

Although there is no need for the card ever to be in physical contact with the reader (hence “contactless”), most transport entities encourage the user to “tap” the card against the reader and to hold it there until they receive an audio or visual confirmation that the transaction is complete.  

The main applications of contactless smart-cards in urban public transport are:

• Direct replacement of “flash passes” – e.g. periodic passes, employee passes, concessionary passes. These simply require validation of the card on boarding or at entry gates, though the usage would typically also be recorded within the system.
• Multi-journey tickets, where the card is presented on boarding and one trip is deducted. Optionally, transfers may be permitted, in which case the reader determines whether a transfer is taking place and whether to allow the travel without a trip deduction.
• Support of transactions with driver interaction. This includes stored value where the card is presented to the reader, and the driver / conductor determines the value to be deducted.
• “Tap in, tap out” or “Tap on, tap off” where the user presents the card on boarding, and again on alighting. The readers determine the distance / zones traveled, and hence the applicable fare, and deducts the value from the stored value.

The interface with the reader may take place in the vehicle or prior to boarding.

Benefits of contactless smart-cards (relative to contact smart-cards) are:

• Contactless cards support faster processing (card does not need to be inserted in the reader) and hence reduces dwell times at stops.
• Simpler reading devices, as the card does not need to be inserted.
• The technology is used widely. Card production volumes are high, leading to a trend of reducing costs.
• Contactless cards are now supported by international standards for communication.

Cautions with regard to contactless smart-cards (relative to contact smart-cards) are:

• Customers must hold their card within the communication range of the reader for the duration of the transaction.