Contactless Smart Cards, RFID, Payment, Transit and Security

Chicago looks to launch bike sharing program

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Chicago is set to roll out the first phase of its new bicycle sharing program, according to NBC Chicago.

The new system, Chicago B-cycle, allows residents to rent bikes by the hour at various stations throughout the city using a credit card or contactless membership card. According to NBC, similar systems are already operating in Denver and Minneapolis.


The first phase of the project will see 100 bicycles stocked at six B-stations around the city. The goal is to eventually expand beyond downtown and into the city’s other neighborhoods, says Mayor Richard Daley.

B-cycle is a joint venture between Trek Bikes, Humana Health Care and the advertising agency Crispin Porter + Bogusky, according to NBC Chicago.

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The Chicago Transit Authority is planning to pilot an array of credit card acceptance technologies on city buses, including contactless payment, according to cardratings.com.

The CTA is planning the switch in order to save time and tighten up efficiency. Research shows that a typical cash transaction takes 25 seconds, as opposed to a credit card swipe, which takes only 2. Cash transactions can therefore lead to delayed routes and missed connections.

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LEGIC and velopass GmbH are partnering to launch a smart card-based bike sharing program across Switzerland. The self-service solution allows users to borrow bikes in a variety of Swiss towns, such as Lausanne, Vevey and Yverdon, and return them to any velopass destination station they choose, using just one smart card.

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Taiwan’s Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) has announced that the country’s new integrated transit card system is expected to be fully operational by the end of the year, according to squidcard.com.

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LEGIC is partnering with Italy-based Comunicare Group to launch Bicincittà, a contacltess smart card-based bicycle sharing program.

Once registered, Bicincittà users receive their own contactless LEGIC card, granting them 24/7 access to bikes stored in throughout the city at cycle-park stations.

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The City Council of San Antonio has approved an RFID-enabled bike sharing, rental and tour program, according to a local news report. B-Cycle, who also supplied a similar system in Denver, will supply the system that consists of locking bike racks and a kiosk similar to an ATM, which enables users to purchase a short-term membership.

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London is gearing up the July 30 launch of a citywide bike rental program featuring contactless smart cards, according to squidcard.com.

The system will comprise four hundred docking stations housing some six thousand bikes stationed all over London.

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