Look up! Facial recognition may soon replace MRT fare cards for Singapore commuters
Commuters will be charged through post-paid methods such as credit cards
Singapore commuters might soon be able to ditch their MRT fare cards and/or rely less on EZ-Link cards.
The Straits Times today reported that Singapore Technologies (ST) Electronics has plans to roll out a facial recognition system that will identify commuters passing through the gates and charge the fares through post-paid methods such as credit cards (similar to ride-hailing apps like Grab and Uber).
To be eligible to use the Advance Gate System, commuters must use a self-help terminal to sign up for an account, which includes having their photographs taken.
This terminal will also allow commuters to purchase tickets, top up fare cards, and interact with customer service officers via video conferencing.
ST Electronics claimed that the new system can process up to one commuter every second; the traditional fare card tap system can only process up to 40 commuters every minute.
For commuters paranoid about having their faces scanned or simply do not wish to rely on post-paid methods, they can opt to use the Advance Gate System’s radio frequency identification capabilities.
This allows commuters to pay using their fare cards without physically tapping them on the gate readers; the system will be able to detect the cards even if they are in a bag, pocket or wallet.
ST Electronics said that the Advance Gate System is already ready to be deployed.
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