EasyRide: active transponders for a fare collection system

The EasyRide ticketing system relies on radio frequency identification cards or tags to monitor passenger access to public transportation. Cards equipped with a miniature radio communication module identify passengers and record the information necessary to collect fares. Passengers equipped with an electronic card can board vehicles without prior ticket purchase. Equipment installed on each vehicle automatically detects the card and registers the passenger's entry and exit locations. The collected data, which contains the card and vehicle identification, stop names, and time stamps, is then forwarded from the vehicle to a fare calculation and billing system. Passengers only need to carry the card in their pockets or luggage during the trip, and the whole access control process is executed unnoticeably.