TfL set to launch mobile phone payment trial

London's travel body is staying quiet ahead of a launch event later this week, but reports are suggesting an Oyster-like contactless payments trial involving mobile phones is on the horizon.

Transport for London is expected to launch a trial this week that will enable commuters to pay for their journey using their mobile phone in a similar way to the ease of use they have become accustomed to with Oyster cards, according to media reports.

Although TfL has remained tight-lipped on the issue, reports in today's Guardian newspaper suggest that the organisation is in talks with mobile operator 02 and handset giant Nokia to take advantage of a handset with embedded Oyster card-like contactless authentication capabilities.

TfL declined to comment further on the issue, although it did extend an invite to IT PRO for a launch event taking place this Wednesday.

"You are invited to join O2 and leading partners from the mobile, transport and financial sectors for the launch of a groundbreaking new trial which is going to change the way people use their mobile phones and interact with day-to-day services," stated the invitation.

IT PRO will be attending the event and will provide an update to shed light on the current mystery surrounding the news.

Source: http://www.itpro.co.uk