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Smart card technology 'cutting fraud at ski resorts'
11 Jan 2010

Radio-chipped smart card technology is a more efficient way of making sure all skiers have paid before they hit the slopes, according to an assistant police chief.

The Denver Post reported that the new smart cards, which were introduced at many ski resorts across Colorado last year, were originally designed to cut queues, but have had the added benefit of helping to catch more fraudsters in the act.

Greg Morrison of the Breckenridge police commented that there is a "misconception" that it is easier for people to sneak onto the slopes without paying because the new cards are less visible than the old passes, which needed to be scanned visually.

His statement was echoed by Aspen Skiing Co spokesman Jeff Hanle, who commented that the new passes allow resorts to monitor potential fraudsters more closely.

Skiers are not the only people to benefit from shorter queues thanks to smart card technology. In the UK, season ticket holders and members of Bristol City Football Club use smart cards to gain access to matches, while passengers on Arriva buses in Bolton use sQuid cashless payments to travel.