TfL almost ready for launch although specifics still unanswered
Transport for London is ready to launch a system which allows people to pay for train journeys using their mobile phones. Officials from Transport for London, mobile maker Nokia and phone network O2 are understood to be preparing final details of a handset with a built-in Oyster card. Although TfL and Nokia have not yet revealed when the NFC devices are likely to be available, security firm Gemalto and NXP Semiconductors are known to be collaborating on a SIM-enabled NFC platform which will work with NXP’s MIFARE technology. (MIFARE is currently used as the branded contactless ticket system: Oyster for London’s public transport network and could potentially.)
The launch would mark a significant expansion of the Oyster card scheme already in use which allows travellers to pay for all their journeys using a single card. The project has recently been expanded to incorporate new technologies such as the Visa PayWave card, which combines a credit card, Oyster card and contactless payment system which can be used to authorize small purchases at some retailers.
Transport for London is also nearing the end of a three month trial of NFC technology embedded in “smart posters” around the Blackfriars London Underground station. ![[end]](/resources/bullet/contactlessnews-4.gif)
