using biometric data, such as palm and facial recognition, as your ticket for public transportation might not be too far in the future, according to CUBIC, a technology developer that designs systems, products and services focused in transportation. their ‘fastrack gateless gateline’ concept, which is currently conducting small user testing, eliminates physical barriers to form an extended corridor-like gateway that between 65 and 75 users can walk through in a minute, whilst their faces are being scanned and synced for payment with their smartphones. the technology advancement aims to improve efficiency at train stations, most specifically for the london underground, as the infrastructure expects passenger rates to double in the next 30 years.

facial recognition to be your future ticket on the london underground
between 65 and 75 people can be validated through the gateless gatelines in a minute 
all images and video courtesy of maynard

 

 

‘based on our heritage of building and maintaining the hardware, systems and infrastructure for revenue collection, CUBIC recognized the need to embrace a wide range of new technologies – some proven, some emerging – that together will transform the traveler experience,’ said roger crow, executive vice president and managing director, CUBIC transportation systems europe. ‘this project is another example of CUBIC’s partner collaborations to find innovative solutions and deliver benefits for travelers and operators alike.’

facial recognition to be your future ticket on the london underground
the system will use facial recognition and bluetooth smartphone connections to validate passengers

 

 

CUBIC’s ‘fastrack gateless gateline’ system allows users to register their biometric data in advance and then sync it when at a station. although collecting more data, the technology isn’t drastically different to recognition software used by companies like apple and google. instead, the advancement aims to make identification more secure as easily stolen card validators will become unnecessary, although not completely withdrawn. those who have either mistakenly or purposely walked through the gateless corridor without validating will be highlighted to their error. as well, using software that tracks passengers as objects in stations and trains, travel enforcers are enabled to identify and reprimand those who haven’t paid.

facial recognition to be your future ticket on the london underground
unvalidated users will cause the corridor to flash red

 

 

in collaboration with go ahead group, mövement strategies, maynard group and bristol robotics laboratory, CUBIC’s ‘fastrack gateless gateline’ is a submission to the railway standards and safety board’s (RSSB) future ticketing detection competition.

facial recognition to be your future ticket on the london underground
the concept aims to improve efficiency at train stations, specifically on the london underground

 

facial recognition to be your future ticket on the london underground
passengers can still use other forms of validation at traditional gateways

 

facial recognition to be your future ticket on the london underground
a model interpretation of CUBIC’s fastrack gateless gatelines design