New technologies are redefining the possibilities of public transit ticketing. Across transport networks worldwide, mobile and contactless solutions are leading the way. Offering seamless transactions and unparalleled user convenience, ‘tap and go’ schemes are proving a hit with commuters, tourists and transport operators alike. As a result, the global mobile ticketing market is predicted to grow by 122% between 2024 and 2029, with the total annual transaction value reaching a staggering $28 trillion by the end of this period.
The mobile Navigo card, launched in the summer of 2024 by Île-de-France Mobilitiés (IDFM), the public transport authority serving Paris and surrounding areas, is a stand-out example of the transit ticketing revolution. This innovative contactless pass, developed by Thales in conjunction with Apple, is quickly becoming a best-in-class transit option for millions of journeys on the region’s Métro, trains, buses, and trams.
What is the mobile Navigo card? How does it work, and what are the benefits?
The mobile Navigo card is a digital transit ticketing card designed for Apple iPhone and Apple Watch users. Passengers can purchase travel passes via various transport authority and operator apps (including IDFM, SNCF Connect and Bonjour RATP), or direct from their Apple Wallet. Then it’s simply a matter of tapping their phone or watch at passenger gates and terminals across France’s capital city and the wider Île-de-France region. No additional fingerprint or facial authentication is required, and the pass even works if the phone or watch battery is out of charge.
Passengers welcome the ultimate user experience
Within just a few weeks of its launch, the mobile Navigo card had been downloaded over one million times. It’s easy to see why. In addition to enjoying speedy access through passenger gates, mobile Navigo card users can skip the queues at ticket vending machines and kiosks. Everything is managed directly through an app or the Apple Wallet. As a result, the mobile Navigo card transforms the passenger experience while relieving pressure on traditional ticketing sales infrastructure.
Enhancing business efficiency and sustainability
By digitising tickets, public transport authorities and operators create a more effective, cost-efficient and eco-friendly service delivery ecosystem. Staff can be redirected from routine ticketing operations to more value-added tasks such as helping passengers with special needs and requirements. Mobile ticketing also saves on the costs associated with issuing physical tickets and passes, and contributes to a more sustainable business model by cutting waste.
Ensuring the security and privacy of public transport users
Convenience and efficiency are only part of the story. Security and privacy are equally high priorities. When a Navigo card is uploaded to an Apple Wallet, all card information is encrypted and stored in the Secure Element, a certified chip designed specifically for this purpose that is embedded in the iPhone or Apple Watch.
The future of travel starts here
The mobile Navigo card demonstrates why contactless schemes are making such a dramatic impact on the transit ticketing landscape. Adoption is on a steep upward curve as both tourists and locals embrace the benefits of convenience, security, seamless integration with their Apple devices and real-time travel information. At the same time, IDFM is reaping the rewards of increased ridership, reduced bottlenecks, and improved efficiency and sustainability.
Contactless will increasingly dominate the world’s transit ticketing solutions. Equally, with the global mobile ticketing market growing at speed, we are witnessing the first steps towards even more seamless experiences for travellers and operators alike. At Thales we remain committed to developing compelling solutions such as the mobile Navigo card, and speeding the arrival of a new future for public transport.
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