Public Transport Tickets by Mobile Phone

photo by rugbyxm

Just a quick follow up to this week’s article on mobile applications. Today I have learned that it is possible to buy tickets for local public transport company by mobile phone - well, actually they are paid by credit card or direct debit. I think that’s great. No need to look for change - yeah, bank notes are possible as well, but just too often the machine won’t accept them - or even looking for a free one when in a hurry. I guess, the Frankfurt area is not the first one where people can travel and pay this way. So that’s probably old news to some of you.

Anyway, signing up is easy. After registering online I got sent a text message which included a little app to be installed on my phone. It’s even possible to add up to ten connections I use regularly, so I won’t have to add the same stops each time I buy a ticket. Just choosing the connection and I am ready to go. Seems to be rather convenient at first look; will use it tomorrow for the first time.

Though there is one thing that might be troublesome for privacy advocates. The company is able to track my complete use of public transport:

• destinations
• times
• frequency

It can even check if I am travelling alone or in company because it’s possible to buy single tickets for up to two other people or even tickets for groups. However, everyone using credit cards is facing this problem as well.

I think this is a very good service and it is proof that mobile features are becoming more popular even in a mainstream environment.

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