Swedish train operator SJ Railways has become the latest company to adopt technology that reads microchips embedded in the body, and is using it as an alternative to printed rail passes.
Implanted into the hand, the microchip is scanned by the conductor to validate tickets.
The system works by registering each passenger with a membership number, which is stored in the microchip, and monitored and updated via an app on the customer's smartphone.
The microchip and app exchange information using near-field communication (NFC) ? the same wireless data transfer technology used by Apple Pay, Android Pay and Amiibo.
As the conductor moves through the train to check tickets, passengers are able to simply hold out their hand for the conductor to scan and check ticket information. SJ Railways claims it is the first travel company in the world to offer this service. Around 3,000 rail passengers already using microchip technology
After a trial period that took place earlier this year and involved around 100 of the company's SJ Prio members ? a scheme that allows members to collect points as they travel ? the firm claimed in a recent interview with the BBC that there are now around 3,000 commuters using the technology.
"SJ is already one of Sweden's most digital companies, so this new project could be started up very quickly," said Peter Dahlqvist, head of SJ Business Sales. "The microchip ticket is a good example of how we are happy to try out new ideas alongside custome...