Cubic gets approval for Tri-Reader 3 transportation NFC readers

Cubic gets approval for Tri-Reader 3 transportation NFC readers

Cubic Transportation Systems has received the approval it needs to bring NFC and EMV based contactless transportation payments to the US, UK and Australia. That approval has come from the top four bank card brands for the Tri-Reader 3 to process their branded contactless EMV bank cards for use in public transit revenue management systems.

“Our customers now have an open payment solution, which means that our technology supports any contactless media that conforms to ISO 14443, whether in an account, card or NFC phone based system,” said Pradip Mistry, Vice President of Engineering for Cubic Transportation Systems. “At the same time, we have also ensured that the same levels of speed and reliability we have built into previous generations of card-based fare collection systems are achieved for open payment.”

Cubic Transportation Systems Tri-Reader 3 readers brings NFC payments to London Buses

The Tri-Reader 3 is the first contactless smart card device designed for use in public transport to process all industry standard contactless smart cards. What makes the Tri-Reader 3 different than mass transportation contactless systems that have come before is that it can now accept multiple payment types. In the U.K., Oyster, ITSO and contactless EMV cards can now be read concurrently on the same contactless reader. So, yes that means NFC phones can get in on the action too. The Tri-Reader 3 was developed by Cubic on behalf of “Transport for London” and the company has a worldwide license for its use for open payments.

Cubic’s technology supports payments made with Near Field Communications (NFC) powered mobile phones, a form of payment that Cubic has tested in U.S. and European transit systems. Cubic states that it believes its new system provides consumers with a great transition path from older mag-stripe cards all the way through to NFC mobile payments.

“To test and prove its account-based processing technology, Cubic and its customer PATCO have partnered to provide Philadelphia/New Jersey region commuters with the world’s first transit-branded all contactless Visa prepaid card. The new PATCO Wave & Pay ANYWHERE Visa Prepaid Card began a 12-month pilot program on September 26, marking the first time that consumers will be able to use the same transit payment card for both transit and retail purchases. The Tri-Reader 3 is also being deployed on London buses and future plans exist to expand the rollout across the whole of Transport for London’s estate.”

First we heard FirstGroup in the UK was getting NFC payments, now London buses. We are even seeing NFC payments for transportation hit this side of the pond in Philadelphia & New Jersey. Public transportation is embracing NFC payments and EMV payments rapidly and Cubic Transportation Systems turn-key Tri-Reader 3 system just may make it easier for different transportation companies to upgrade also.