Proximity card (BIBO)


“Be In – Be Out” (BIBO) technology is a variant on contact and contactless cards. The available fare products are broadly similar. This section considers BIBO only in terms of its difference from contact or contactless cards.

BIBO is an innovative technology that identifies the presence of a customer (represented by the device they carry), and calculates the fare based on the duration of their detected presence.

The objective of BIBO is to manage the fare collection without requiring the customer to interface with a ticketing system. This allows customers to walk on and walk off the vehicle without any delays to either the service or the customer. In rail transit systems, it allows the customer to walk through the stations, platforms and carriages without having to validate at gates.

The user device is typically issued as a smart-card, primarily so that it can also be used in public transport which is not BIBO-equipped. However, the user device could actually be any device that can store the application and communicate with the BIBO system.

The customer carries a detectable device, which is linked to a customer account. The vehicle is equipped with a system that can detect such devices. When the customer enters the vehicle, the presence of the device is detected and recorded. When the presence is no longer detected (i.e. the device is no longer on the vehicle) the customer is deemed to have left the vehicle. The applicable tariff is calculated, and charged against the customer’s account. This is particularly suited to post-payment.

Although the BIBO system is designed for “walk-on, walk-off” style use, it can also be set to function more in the style of a contactless card. This is particularly relevant where there are concerns about fare evasion. The customer may be required to present the card on boarding so that the driver is satisfied that the customer has a valid travel document.

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

  • BIBO does not require any processing or customer interaction at the time of boarding, and hence reduces dwell times at stops.
  • Tap-on, tap-off style fare products can be implemented without the user inconvenience or delays of validation on exit.
  • The customer’s journey is detected from time of entry to time of exit. The correct tariff is calculated, regardless of customer actions. This reduces the potential for overriding by customers.

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

  • The technology is still at the innovative stage, with only a limited amount of practical experience.
  • There may be problems with reliability of device detection.
  • The “walk-on, walk-off” mode of use can make revenue protection more difficult.
  • There are privacy concerns, including the possibility that the user device may be detected and tracked at locations other than the transit system.

Personalized smart-card

Personalized smart-cards are issued for use by the named individual only. They are not valid for travel when used by anyone else.

In technical terms, the same smart-card can be used for personalized or non-personalized cards. It is a choice of the card issuer whether or not to personalize the cards. Personalization is achieved in three main ways:

  • The data stored in the smart-card contains the relevant personalization information.
  • The authorized user’s personal details are printed or embossed on the card (e.g. name, photograph, authorization basis, restrictions).
  • A separate document (e.g. ID card) is used in conjunction with the smart-card, and must be produced for inspection if requested to verify that the person travelling is the authorized cardholder.

These forms or personalization may be combined.

Personalized smart-cards are widely used in the transportation domain. This reflects the wide variety of both the fare products and the authorizations to travel. The main applications of personalized smart-cards are:

  • Travel authorizations,which are specific to the individual, reflecting their status and/or entitlements. This includes:
    • Free or reduced-rate travel authorizations for pensioners, disabled, schoolchildren, etc.
    • Employee passes.
    • Fare products,which are sold on the basis that they will not be shared with other customers (who should buy their own). This includes:
      • Time-based fare products, such as weekly, monthly or annual commuter tickets.
      • Customer protection, especially in the case of stored value or e-purse, where the transport agency offers to restore the remaining value on the card in case of loss or theft.

Benefits of personalized smart-cards are:

  • Allows fare products to be personalized to the customer.
  • Supports fare products intended for use only be one person and priced accordingly (i.e. not intended for sharing among multiple users).
  • Assists the proper use of concessionary and reduced-fare tickets.
  • Assists the back-office administration of concessionary tickets and other products involving reimbursement.
  • Supports loyalty programs.
  • Supports ticket inspection and revenue protection.

Cautions with regard to personalized smart-cards are:

  • The personalization processes have an administrative burden. 
  • There may be added burden in the sales and distribution processes
  • Potential for dispute when the card is used by the correct customer, who has a valid ticket or travel authorization, but does not have the supporting ID document at time of travel
  • There are privacy concerns, that the user’s travel patterns may be tracked.
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