Imagine: in the near future, every resident of the European Union has an app on their phone with the government issued digital ID (or electronic ID, eID), but without the current limitations in its use. This app allows anyone to legally identify themselves, just as they do with a passport or driving license.
This app can also be used as a wallet, or as an access card to different events. It can also contain all kinds of personal data. You can store your bank account details, insurance information and prescriptions as well as drivers licenses, loyalty cards and diplomas. All the information you used carry in your big wallet is now available on your phone. All your important information is conveniently and securely stored on your phone.
There is one major difference. You will only share the information you need in order to obtain a product or service. If you’re over 18, for example, only mention that. Don’t share your entire passport or ID. Or that there is enough money on your account (not just the amount), or you are a part of a frequent flyer program, club, etc. The wallet is a multi-purpose app.
Travellers can benefit from the EU Digital Identity Wallet
A wallet can be a useful tool for the public transport industry. Imagine checking in for a plane, for example. This could be achieved with the wallet using only the necessary passport data securely shared digitally instead of scanning and sharing the entire biographical pages that may contain too much personal information.
Not only that. The wallet can contain the boarding cards and share additional information and derived attributes. For example, the fact that the passenger is over 65 instead of their full date of birth. But transport is more than just aviation. Let’s not forget about other modes of transportation.
Imagine someone sharing specific data from a wallet to authenticate boarding a train. In this scenario, transport providers could match the information with a known profile (known profile + subscribtion = transport). If someone doesn’t have a profile, but they are eligible for a discount, e.g. a student or senior discount), the payment details can be added to the wallet. The wallet would then provide direct access for transport. The wallet could then indicate age categories using a derived attribute without sharing the date. Meaning, it is not necessary to show multiple cards with too much information.
The EU Digital Identity Wallet can be beneficial to travel
Simplified check-in
By simply holding the phone near the check-in pole and presenting your wallet, you can check into public transport. This saves you time and reduces your need to carry or process multiple physical cards.
The EU Commission announced plans to create an EU Travel App for check-ins that require you share your passport or ID card, such as for a flight or hotel. This app allows you to share the verified data that is required for checking into a flight or hotel. No more scanning/photos of the passport holder page. Only the data needed is shared.
Discounts for Automatic Payment
Travelers can pay with the wallet and get the automatic benefit based on age or membership. This is without the need for extra information to prove that you are entitled to the discount. The wallet verifies all the information required without requiring additional documents or cards that contain personal data (and possibly too much), such as date-of-birth.
Integrated payments
Checking in with subscriptions and payment card is already possible. Next, an individual will be able to do this using their digital wallet. When the wallet is set-up, payment information can be stored in it, making it easy for travelers to pay. This eliminates the need to pay cash or top up public transport cards.
Easier transfers between different transport providers
Travelers are able to switch between modes of transport and transport providers (buses, trains, metros, shared cars, etc.) with ease.The wallet can be used for a wide range of services. This would make traveling much more convenient.
The future of data in travel
On the long-term, the use the European Digital Identity wallet can lead to better personalized service, cost savings, and increased efficiency. It may also mean that companies will store less data, as they only need to process the data that is allowed per transaction. GDPR compliance is easier.
Large scale pilots are being carried out to test wallets and the ecosystem. The benefits of digital information are the main ones at present. There is a reduction in paperwork, but some will still be needed for audit trails, internal processes, and demonstrability.
Should this ever change, however, it would bring added benefits if the companies were not required to store personal data. Those data you do not have, you do not need to protect. This could mean, on the other hand that you will need assistance to create a full personal profile. This is still a work in progress.
Collaborations and proactive approach
Our advice is to not wait. The European Digital Identity Wallet is moving quickly! Keep an eye on the developments and think about how they will affect your organization and the transport sector. Start thinking about interoperability agreements and partnerships with other transport providers. Also, consider how to protect the needs and wants of travelers.
Exploring impact together and exploring opportunities
The wallet has the potential to improve the experience for both travelers and transportation providers in the industry. How? Do not hesitate to contact me! We can then explore the impact of this transition, the opportunities it offers and the financial impact on your organization.
