Eurostar Pioneers Biometric Ticketing with Facial Verification at London’s St Pancras International Station
Eurostar, the high-speed rail service connecting the UK with mainland Europe, has made a significant stride in enhancing passenger experience. Eurostar Biometric Ticketing
The company has introduced a facial verification system at London’s St Pancras International Station, marking a leap in the use of biometric technology in the rail industry.
The Power of Facial Verification
Developed by British tech firm iProov, the system, known as SmartCheck, replaces traditional ticket and border checks with a facial verification checkpoint. Passengers can authenticate their identity in advance by uploading a selfie and passport photograph via an app. Upon arrival at St Pancras, they can walk through a dedicated SmartCheck lane for facial verification.
The Impact on Passenger Experience
This innovative approach to ticketing aims to speed up boarding, reduce queues, and eliminate physical contact, enhancing the overall passenger experience. Initially available to Business Premier and Carte Blanche passengers, Eurostar plans to extend the service to all customers and potentially more borders if successful.
The Future of Rail Travel
The introduction of facial verification technology showcases innovation in the rail industry and sets a precedent for future developments. As the first-ever biometric corridor for train travel, it promises shorter queues and smoother throughput, transforming the way passengers navigate through stations.
Ensuring Security and Privacy
While the system streamlines the boarding process, traditional security measures remain in place. Bags will still be scanned by security staff, and passports will still be checked by border officials in London and Paris. Furthermore, all personal data is stored securely on the user’s smartphone and encrypted during operation, according to iProov. The information is only shared with the ticket gate and passport control services and is deleted from these systems after a maximum of 48 hours.
Conclusion about Eurostar Biometric Ticketing
Eurostar’s implementation of facial verification technology represents a significant step forward in the use of biometrics in the rail industry. By enhancing passenger experience and streamlining boarding processes, it sets a new standard for rail travel and paves the way for future innovations.
