OREANDA-NEWS. Gemalto, the world leader in digital security, has deployed a new mobile app-based ticket for the greater Helsinki area through its Netsize Transport Ticketing offer. Finnish users of the Helsinki transport network will now be able to use their mobile phones to pay for public transport beyond the central tram and metro network, with the cost of the ticket debited to the user's mobile phone bill at the end of the month.

The use of a mobile app complements the existing SMS tickets in use since 2006. Gemalto provides the direct billing connections to the mobile network operators over the Netsize platform.

Helsinki citizens take advantage of this new mobile ticket by first downloading the Region of Helsinki ticket application on their mobile device. Then, when getting onto the bus, train, ferry, metro or tram, the user simply selects their journey from a menu, confirms the purchase and the ticket is delivered to the app. The application back-end system uses the Netsize platform to identify the user and charge them for the purchase of the ticket.

"We have been working with Netsize since 2012 when they won the public tender for implementing SMS ticketing for the inner Helsinki area," said Head of Ticketing Group Risto Vaattovaara from the Passenger Services Department at HSL (Helsinki transport operator). "This recent extension was decided at the request of the public and we were pleased to continue to work with them to further develop the existing solution to a mobile application."

"Helsinki is one of the forerunners in deploying innovative solutions to ease the daily life of its citizens. This service will touch more people in more places, by widening the net for mobile ticketing and bringing greater convenience," said Benoit Bole, Senior Vice President of Netsize at Gemalto. "On our side, offering an in-app ticket in addition to the SMS ticket is a natural evolution."