🚀 go-pugleaf

Silas Warner <silas@value.net> wrote in message news:<3C9FB5EF.1231D8F8@value.net>...
> Actually, it turns out that induction reading of a smart card at
> a short distance is cheaper than any kind of close-contact system.
> The reason is that anything that swipes or touches the surface of
> a smart card needs constant cleaning.  Induction tags are simple
> to make -- look at the antitheft tags used in clothing stores for
> an example.  All a smart card does is hook a chip up to such a
> magnetic tag.  That's no more expense than the contact array 
> used on a smart credit card.
> 
> Of course, the contact array has definite advantages on a smart
> credit card.  Mostly, it means that you have to be aware that the
> card is being read, unlike a Translink card which can be read
> and even written without your knowledge.  Transit agencies have
> apparently decided that the convenience of not having to haul the
> card out of a pocket or purse is worth the loss of security.
> 
> 						Silas Warner

Most agree that contactless smart cards are a better choice than
contact smart cards for transit fare payment. First, the transaction
speed increases (as you mentioned the card does not need to be
inserted into a slot or even removed from the wallet or purse).
Second, there is as you mentioned reduced reader maintenance (no
slots, abrasion or moving parts).

However, I think you have a misconception about the read range for a
contactless smart card. Because of the small size of the antenna in
the card and the absence of a card battery (all power is extracted
from the reader signal), a contactless smart card cannot be read from
more than 3-4 inches away. This is actually good for the reason you
mention, that riders should feel that they have to take a positive
action (i.e., move their wallet or purse directly in front of the
reader target) to pay a fare and not need to worry that readers could
be extracting fares without their knowledge.

Devices that can be read over a longer distance (e.g., "proximity
cards" used for some parking garages or building access that can be
read a few feet away, or battery-powered toll road transponders that
can be read many feet away) use quite distinct technology from
contactless smart cards used in transit.

Doug Parker
NOdparkerSPAM@NOmultisystemsSPAM.com
www.multisystems.com