Results: RFID and Identity Management in everyday life - ITAS

Case ID 84 , level 1
Title SI.PASS
Researcher Elisabetta El-Karimy
Timing 2006
Geography Torino, Italy
Environment Public transport / traffic
Case #84: SI.PASS
Technology Developed by Norwegian company Q-Free on behalf of the Italian transport operator SITAF, the SI-PASS
is a two-piece tag consisting of an on-board unit, called a Transponder Mobipass, and a Smart Card.
SI-PASS integrates two payment systems using ASK's TanGO-based CT4002 contactless smart cards
and active RFID tags for long-range payments. [6]
The Smart Card itself is a readable card consisting of a microchip with a double interface (contact and
contactless) that uses tag and beacon technology. Operated by microwave dedicated short-range
communications (DSCR) at 5.8GHz, the system is compatible with European standards.
Operation of SI-PASS is based on two very simple mechanisms. When the card is used with the
Transponder it allows motorway barriers to be opened from a distance without the need to stop at
motorway tolls.
On its own, the card can be read by a scanner, enabling the user to automatically pay for public city
transport (buses, trams and underground) in addition to a large number of car parks. For the Turin Winter
Olympics, the card was also used to pay for ski-passes and has the capacity to gain access to other
events. [7]
Costs Customers pay 100-170€ plus 20€ deposit for Transponder
Maturity Just implemented
Function Access / payment
Owner SITAF
Maintainer SITAF
Users Visitors to Winter Olympic Games and users of Frejus highway tunnel and the A32 highway
Other actors ASK, Gruppo Torinese Trasporti (GTT), Societa Italiana Traforo Autostrade del Frejus (SITAF), Centro
Ricerche Fiat (CRF, Q-Free ASA (Norwegian company for electronic toll collection systems), city car
parks and public transport (Trenitalia and 27 private operators), Torino Turismo (musea, concerts, car-
and bike rental, etc.)
ID issue "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, says Mr. Aliverti, Sales Director, GTT."[1].
“The Smart Card is very much like the Oyster card that is already employed across London. The
difference here is that it can automatically debit users as they travel around a city. Unlike the Congestion
charging zone in London, users will not have to make individual payments for each journey they make and
can use the card across a number of mobility services.” [7]
It is not clear what information will be collected besides data on the movement of vehicles.
“We are one of the first companies in the world to offer contactless smart cards for both toll payment and
public transport, says 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.” [1]
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 4 different contactless paper tickets (C.ticket®) 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. [1]
According to the GTT-site the tickets are equipped with magnetic bands [2].
The usefulness of such combination card for payment of toll and public transport beyond the Olympics is
not addressed.
When purchasing the Torino Card, the customer consents to the processing of personal data: “Personal
68