More security
Magnetic tickets have very poor security protection against fraud. A magnetic ticket can be easily counterfeited. With the introduction of an Integrated Circuit, the security has been considerably improved thanks to the enhancement of recognition means, data protection and the unicity of each product.
Recognition
The reader authenticates the ticket. In certain cases security can be highly enhanced so that the ticket authenticates the reader as well before enabling a transaction.
Data protection
Data can be protected in several ways. By encryption, by certificate and by limiting writing when for instance using OTP (One Time Programmable) functionalities.
Unicity of media
Each ticket is unique thanks to the unicity of its IC serial number.
Extended memory
The size of the data to be stored in a ticket has been considerably increased in comparison with magnetic tickets so that a simple ticket can offer additional services by combining different applications: transport, museum and events access, small payments, etc.
More reliability
Contactless tickets eliminate problems relating to demagnetization and consequently decrease the number of defects in the field. They also eliminate ticket reader jams. Magnetic ticket machines require mechanical parts, which is not the case with contactless technology.
Beating the queues at gates
A contactless ticket is not inserted into a slot. It works through a handbag, wallet, etc. Its transaction time is shorter than any magnetic ticket, between 50 and 150 milliseconds versus several seconds when the ticket has to be inserted into a magnetic reading machine.
When a contactless ticket is used in events such as concerts, concertgoers pass through the gates without having to show their passes to door security, thanks to the embedded security of their tickets.
Maintenance cost reduction
Contactless readers have no moving parts. Reading and writing are performed without touching a device of any kind. Consequently, there is no wear or foul-ups caused by equipment. Public Transport Operators using magnetic based solutions devote millions of Euros per year to maintain their equipment.