Calypso Networks Association (CNA) aims to support all transport and mobility operators to deliver the best possible ticketing experience to their customers.
Calypso has been a trusted source of support for members of the transport and mobility community for over 25 years. Here is our story….
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The early days
In the early 1990s, many European transport operators and authorities needed to renew their existing ticketing systems of paper and magnetic ticket technologies. This presented a huge commercial opportunity which led to the creation of the Contactless Pass.
In 1995, a group of transport operators and authorities from Belgium, France, Germany, Italy and Portugal decided to join forces to develop a more advanced Contactless Pass solution that also made them independent from their existing providers, which led to the creation of Icare (1996-1997) and then Calypso (1998-2000).
These projects led to significant advances in smart ticketing and the emergence of standards, specifically the contactless ISO 14443 and the CEN 1545 ticketing data standard.
Establishing Calypso Networks Association
The contactless ticketing specification was renamed as ‘Calypso’ in 2000. In 2003, Calypso Networks Association was registered as a non-for-profit association under Belgium law (ASBL) with founding members including OTLIS-Lisbon, ACTV-Venice, STIB-Brussels, LKRKN-Constance, RATP-Paris, and SNCF-France.
CNA has since evolved to welcome new members and introduce many new innovations, products and services, yet its commitment to driving innovation through an open, secure ticketing standard remains at the heart of the organisation. CNA is always ‘one-step’ ahead in championing ticketing as a gateway to support traveller mobility and connecting with the customer to improve their experience.
Future-proofing transport networks worldwide
CNA has evolved to welcome new members and introduce many new innovations, products and services, yet its commitment to driving innovation through an open, secure ticketing standard remains at the heart of the organisation. CNA is always ‘one-step’ ahead in championing ticketing as a gateway to support traveller mobility and connecting with the customer to improve their experience.
Calypso specifications continue to serve the community, providing flexible tools that help operators and authorities deliver the best possible passenger experience, and ensuring that our sector is prepared for accelerating digital transformation.
