As we continue to move away from paper tickets and such, contactless travel is the current buzzword. iProov and Eurostar have launched a trial to Provide Contactless Travel at London St Pancras International
The new service “SmartCheck” went live on 6th December. The SmartCheck service enables passengers to complete secure ticket verification and UK exit check on their mobile devices prior to travel.
As part of the trial, Business Premier and Carte Blanche ticket holders will be able to scan their identity documentation using their iPhones before arriving at the station, completing a brief biometric face scan to verify that they are the genuine holder of the identity document. The biometric face verification, which uses iProov’s Genuine Presence Assurance technology, is then linked to their e-ticket, with confirmation sent to the passenger.
On arrival at St Pancras International station, passengers proceed through a dedicated SmartCheck lane. A brief face scan at the ticket gate verifies that the customer has completed the ticket check, with no sharing of paper or electronic tickets needed. A second face scan at the UK Exit Check allows Eurostar to verify that the passenger has completed their passport information, again replacing the need for travellers to hand over documentation.
At this time, the trial involves a limited number of invited passengers and is focused on the check-in and exit control processes operated by Eurostar at St Pancras Station. It is NOT focused on the UK or Schengen Entry areas, where you need to present your appropriate travel credentials and paperwork as required.
In Quotes
Andrew Bud, Founder and CEO, iProov said:
“This secure, convenient and privacy-protecting technology will make life easier and safer for travellers around the world,”
“The days of rooting around in your bag for your passport or hoping that your phone battery doesn’t run out before you show your e-ticket at the gate are over. It’s effortless and convenient while also delivering the reassurance and security that travelers expect.”
Gareth Williams, Strategy Director and Company Secretary, Eurostar said:
“We are committed to working closely with governments to introduce new tools and technology that streamline the check in and border process,”
“Face biometric technology, which we start trialling today, is a fast and contactless solution which will enable secure passenger checks to take place more efficiently and provide a seamless start to the Eurostar customer journey.”
Grant Shapps, Transport Secretary added:
“Our investment into the First of a Kind competition, supporting ingenious inventions on our rail network, is driving real-world innovations as we build the railway of tomorrow,”
“The brand new contactless travel technology from iProov and Eurostar is a window into the future of border control, of smoother, more seamless and convenient journeys.”
It’ll be down to trust
Eurostar is usingiProov’s Genuine Presence Assurance tech to securely verify the identity of consenting online individuals in a way that is completely effortless for the user.
According to the company, it will take a brief, multi-dimensional biometric face scan combines light, time and space to verify that a remote user is the right person, a real person, and that they are authenticating in real-time.
In terms of data handling, all personal data is processed in compliance with GDPR law, with full passenger consent. It is not shared with any party outside the trial and is deleted within six hours of the user travelling.
iProov’s technology is used in a lot of government applications as well as banks and enterprise settings – with not much reported in terms of leaks and breaches. Of course, it only takes one leak or a data breach for that to happen to break down the trust.
Easing the passenger experience – leaning into biometrics
As we seek ways to remove the paper from travel (something the aviation industry is trying to push towards, where a biometric identity is linked to your ticket, passport, etc) to “ease the passenger journey”, there’s going to be many ways to try this – and to ensure it doesn’t creep out people who are scared of “handing over their face” credential.
After all, you only get one face credential in this world – you can have many passports and tickets.
And this will need to be built on trust. Therein is the real challenge of biometrics.
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