ASK smart card technology to be used at Olympics

ASK’s single contactless cards and tickets are being used by Gruppo Torinese Trasporti (GTT) and Societ Italiana Traforo Autostrade del Frejus (SITAF) to drive a ticketing and fare collection system during the 20th Winter Olympic Games in Torino, Italy.

GTT lead the project to provide a pioneering payment system in the Torino region using ASK’s TanGO-based CT4002 contactless smart cards and C.ticket contactless paper tickets. The unified ticketing system provides seamless mobility from SITAF highway toll to city car parks and public transport (Trenitalia and 27 private operators).

SITAF’s new ‘SI.PASS’ card is a multi-application, multi-modal dual interface card that offers a cluster of services for greater mobility in and around town. SI.PASS is branded with five different logos and has already been sent to VIPs and the Olympic family. It will also be available from toll booths and railway stations. With a SI.PASS card, visitors can cruise through automatic tolls on the A32 highway or in the Frejus tunnel and make contactless payments in car parks before boarding on GTT public transport.

‘We are one of the first companies in the world to offer contactless smart cards for both toll payment and public transport,’ said Mr Ugo Jalasse, director, SITAF. ‘The versatility of ASK’s TanGO platform allows us to combine GTT transport services with our own, making public transport at this year’s Winter Olympic Games a smooth and uncomplicated experience.’

GTT manages the public transport networks in Torino and its suburbs. Whilst season ticket-holders tend to use new GTT dual interface card, there are four different contactless paper tickets to meet the needs of other users: a pass for school children, a multimodal pass, a pass for tourists and tickets to museums and galleries.

‘This new system will not only help us to combat fraud but also enable us to collect data so that we can offer customized fares and value added services to travelers,’ said Mr Aliverti, sales director, GTT.