Make it easy, use Cityzi!

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    Fed up with paying a fine because you did not have cash to buy your tramway ticket? Feeling guilty when you buy a French stick with a 50-euro note? So the NFC (Near Field Communication) could be a solution for you! NFC is a standards-based, short-range wireless technology that enables the communication between devices by touching them or bringing them into close proximity.

In 2010, Nice adopted this technology by creating a city pilot called ‘Cityzi’ and became the very second city of the world after Tokyo to use NFC. Thanks to their mobile, users can now make payments to merchants equipped with a contactless technology (bakery, kiosk, café, pharmacy...). Transport tickets don’t have to be purchased anymore, the payment is made directly when approaching the machine. Moreover, real-time information is provided about transport, news, event listings and also the city itself, as an augmented reality tool. Users can even more appreciate this technology since loyalty points are earned automatically when they purchase with their mobile. As you have gathered, Cityzi has many benefits:

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• Easy to use: the technology is very intuitive and interactive, no need to be technically minded to use it.
• Relevant and updated information such as real-time bus timetables, itinerary, traffic situation…
• Convenience and security by simplifying transactions and limiting risks. NFC can be used when your phone is switched off. Besides, it allows you to walk in Nice without cash in your wallet, ideal for women with purses as heavy as luggage!
• Visitor regulation: NFC could be the perfect technology during big events where people flows management is always challenging. Now, visitors do not have to stand in a queue to buy their tickets, thus the transaction process is more efficient. 
• Globally adapted because business and leisure travellers will not have to worry about converting their domestic currency. Finally, Cityzi can be applied anywhere and by anyone.
• Expansion of NFC solutions in France and elsewhere. In few months, you should find this service in the cities of Ile de France, Caen and Strasbourg.

In spite of these advantages, Cityzi has some limitations in terms of development and use. Developed by the three main mobile operators, the service is available on only one brand of device (Samsung). Moreover, the device must be close (less than 10 cm) to the terminal to be effective. Lastly, Cityzi is a new tool, that’s why all merchants haven’t got the technology and just small sum of money can be used for payment via the app.

NFC technology is a new way to consider interaction with people offering new customer services and decreasing costs. Regarding the information above, we have no doubt the Cityzi service is just the beginning. What do you think?

Source: Clark, S. (2010, May 14). NFC city pilot to go live in Nice on 21 May under ‘Cityzi’ banner. Retrieved January 31, 2012, from Near Field Communication World: http://www.nfcworld.com/2010/05/14/33638/nfc-city-pilot-to-go-live-in-nice-on-21-may-under-cityzi-banner/

Keywords: Nice, NFC, Near Field Communication, Citizy, City pilot, Contactless technology