Rio launches contactless transport ticket wristbands

Digital security company Gemalto has entered a partnership with Rio de Janeiro’s public transport ticketing operator RioCard to implement contactless transport ticket wristbands.

The system will allow commuters to pay for any mode of public transport in the city — bus, ferry, subway or train — by waving their wristbands near contactless readers already deployed in the city.

The implementation is one of several innovations being introduced to improve the city’s infrastructure for the Olympic Games, which is expected to bring in 50,000 foreign visitors. It is designed to improve transaction speed and simplify travel logistics while increasing the use of public transport.

Gemalto will supply a waterproof wristband and MiniTag sticker using its embedded contactless chip. The system will support Visa and MasterCard payments.

“The new RioCard wristbands support our goal to create a more convenient and secure travel experience for all residents and visitors to Rio de Janeiro,” RioCard CEO Cassiano Rusycki said.

“The success of recent contactless projects with Gemalto, like the Lille project in France and Visa’s wearable wristband in Brazil, have motivated this solution, which builds a technological legacy enabling streamlined transportation and improved peace of mind for travellers.”

Image courtesy of Sebástian Freire under CC