HID Global will be pitching its services to transit agencies after receiving certification from the Calypso Networks Association (CNA). Calypso is an open security and performance standard that governs the ticketing applications that public transit organizations use to enable contactless payments on mobile phones.
The certification specifically concerns the HID SOMA Atlas 4Digital SDK solution. SOMA is a Host Card Emulation (HCE) offering that allows people to store transit tickets in a wallet on a mobile device. That device can then be presented at a turnstile to pay for a transit ticket through an NFC connection.
According to HID Global, SOMA is the first HCE solution to achieve Calypso certification. In addition to clearing the Calypso HCE standards for mobile fare collection, SOMA obtained a Calypso HCE Security Certification that indicates that the solution can protect the information being stored on the ticketing platform. In doing so, the technology reduces fraud and prevents the illicit duplication and transfer of transit tickets.
SOMA is designed to replace physical transit tickets and tokens with secure digital alternatives. The platform is currently compatible with Android devices, and commuters can use the app to pay and add funds to a transit account running on the Calypso standard. The news builds on HID Global’s strong track record with the Calypso program, after previously clearing the Calypso Light standard back in 2018.
“Being at the forefront of achieving this certification underscores HID’s long-standing commitment to a security-by-design approach to building trusted identity solutions for our customers,” said HID Global Events & Mobility VP Cesare Paciello. “This new industry-first milestone positions HID to continue leading the way for public transportation networks to implement next-generation automated fare collection solutions.”
“This offers transport operators flexible, fast and secure solutions that comply with the most stringent mobile security programs,” added Calypso CEO Philippe Vappereau.
The Attica Group recently started using HID printers to issue loyalty cards to people traveling on its passenger ferries. The HID Mobile Access solution has also started to gain traction with physical venues, and has now been deployed for a Russian internet provider and a commercial tower in Mexico City.
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