France 'could introduce mobile phone travel pass scheme'

17.06.2009
Travellers taking Dover Calais ferries could use their mobile phones as travel cards under a new scheme.

According to The Connexion, the technology could replace the current Navigo card system in place in Paris by the end of 2010, making travel on trains and buses easier for passengers.

However, one hiccup that could trouble some ferry travellers is that not all mobile phones are fitted with the appropriate chip.

President of the Ile-de-France region Jean-Paul Huchon told the news source: "There is a very weighty set of criteria for the STIF (the Ile-de-France public transport executive), transport operators and mobile phone operators."

Mr Huchon emphasised the fact that the scheme will not cause ticket prices to creep up.

Testing of the system will take place in Nice next year, it is thought.
In order news, a travel industry boss thinks that British holidaymakers taking ferries to france are being more flexible with their travel arrangements than in previous years.

According to Barry Smith of Skyscanner, just 16 per cent of travellers have a fixed destination and date for their holiday, while 28 per cent improvise to cut costs.

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