France’s national train service (SNCF) is offering 1,000 USB TRAIN TICKETS in a trial. The tickets additionally contain a unique-ID RFID chip that provides wireless “easy pass” access to trains. By plugging the card into a PC USB port, the users’ computers are automatically connected to the SNCF web site, where they can prepare payments and get schedules. Schedules can be downloaded to the card. The cards work like a debit card — passengers buy some amount — say, 100 Euros — soon after the fare is deducted each moment they ride. The cards additionally serve as photo ID, with passengers’ pictures on the outside.

Orginal post by Mike