Liikennekortit

Liikennekortit, often translated as traffic cards or transport cards, are electronic payment systems used for public transportation in many countries. These cards are typically small, credit-card-sized devices that store value or travel passes. Passengers can use them to tap on and off at designated readers located at the entrance of buses, trams, trains, and subways.

The primary advantage of liikennekortit is convenience. They eliminate the need to purchase individual paper tickets for each journey, saving time for both passengers and transport operators. Many systems also offer fare capping, where daily or weekly spending is limited, making multiple journeys more economical.

Liikennekortit can be pre-loaded with money or activated with specific travel products, such as daily, weekly, or monthly passes. Some systems allow users to top up their cards online, at ticket machines, or at designated retail locations. The technology behind these cards often utilizes RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) or NFC (Near Field Communication) for quick and contactless transactions.

The implementation of liikennekortit has contributed to increased efficiency and reduced fraud in public transport systems. They also provide valuable data for transport authorities regarding passenger flow and usage patterns, which can inform service planning and improvements.