iProov brings biometric selfie and ID document checks to high-speed rail for contactless processing

A facial biometric corridor is being implemented by iProov to enable Eurostar rail passengers to complete ticket checks and other border exit processes at St. Pancras International station in London as they walk through to increase train travel speed and safety.

The concept is being brought to train service as part of Innovate UK’s First of a Kind (FOAK) competition, funded by the Department for Transport. The same idea has been used in the aviation sector, as in Dubai’s ‘smart tunnel,’, allowing people to complete travel processes without contacting people or hardware.

“This is a world first. iProov is enabling train passengers to choose to travel without tickets or documentation in a way that is safe and secure,” comments iProov Founder and CEO Andrew Bud.

“What started off as a project to reduce travel congestion and keep passengers moving is now going to help keep people safe in a pandemic world through social distancing and contactless interaction,” Bud continues.

“It’s yet another example of how opt-in facial verification is making life easier and safer for people around the world.”

An accelerated pro-boarding option will be offered to travelers planning Eurostar trips, allowing people to use an ID document and biometric selfie with iProov’s patented controlled illumination for genuine presence assurance. iProov’s technology has passed a conformance review for the ISO/IEC 30107-3 presentation attack detection (PAD) standard from the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), providing assurance that the company’s technology confirms the person being authenticated is real, rather than a photo, video or mask. The company says the check also protects against large-scale criminal attacks with deepfakes.

Having completed the process, the passenger receives a message confirming their registration, and that they do not have to show a ticket or passport again before arriving at their destination. The same process can also be completed through a kiosk at the station, rather than the traveler’s smartphone.

“We are very pleased to be working with iProov on this important innovation. We’re convinced it will enhance our passenger experience and offer a live illustration of how innovation can benefit the high-speed rail and international transport industries,” states Eurostar Strategy Director and Company Secretary Gareth Williams.

The solution is being developed in close concert with Eurostar and Canadian travel and immigration solution specialist WorldReach Software, and is planned for a launch to live operation in March of 2021.

iProov’s technology was also recently selected by the UK’s NHS and regtech company NorthRow to onboard people for digital healthcare services and regulated transactions, respectively.

Article Topics

biometrics  |  border management  |  contactless biometrics  |  facial recognition  |  identity document  |  identity verification  |  iProov  |  transportation  |  travel and tourism  |  WorldReach Software