Pay for boat tickets via cell phone

Deutsche Telekom and the shipping company Katamaran-Reederei Bodensee have put Germany's first cell-phone ticket for boat travel into operation in T-City Friedrichshafen.

From now on, those who regularly use the rapid boats on Lake Constance can pay their tickets directly on their cell phone. For this, they require a cell phone with the NFC (Near Field Communication) function.

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KatCard NFC: Innovative check-in for the journey between Friedrichshafen and Constance

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KatCard NFC: Innovative check-in for the journey between Friedrichshafen and Constance

"With the KatCard NFC, we are launching the first NFC ticket solution for boat trips, which includes two features: The KatCard has a discount function and at the same time serves as a travel ticket. This promising technology allows us to gather important insights. For, one thing is clear: The future is mobile, be it for booking reservations, obtaining information, and payments," said Dr. Wolf Heine, traffic expert at T-Systems, about the aim of the project.

Easier check-in, cheaper tickets
Since the beginning of November, catamaran passengers have been able to pay and check in using their KatCard – cash-free and without having to buy a ticket at a machine. The individual ticket is electronically saved on the KatCard when checking in. Users of the card, which is valid for a year, travel for around 30 percent less than the normal rate. And check-in is now getting even easier: The KatCard is saved onto an NFC-capable cell phone, via which individual tickets can be purchased quickly and securely.

This is how it works: To activate the program, passengers hold their KatCard up to a chip on the landing stage before boarding. Upon boarding, the cell phone is then held up to a scanner on the boat: This books the journey and saves the ticket on the cell phone. Trained staff are available at the cell-phone ticket point to demonstrate to users the correct method of using the KatCard on their cell phones.

"This new technology represents the systematic implementation of our philosophy: Enabling rapid, secure and comfortable travel on the lake using state-of-the-art technology. We are proud to have played a role in helping the breakthrough of this new technology here at Lake Constance," said Manfred Foss, Managing Director of Katamaran-Reederei.

To take part in the NFC field test, customers purchasing a KatCard must choose a personalized NFC cell phone with KatCard function instead of a plastic card. They must also register and order a KatCard. Information and the necessary forms can be obtained from Katamaran-Reederei branch offices.