Innovatrics and DTPM Pilot Face Biometrics for Faster Boarding on Santiago’s Public Transport

The Red bus network in Santiago, Chile, has tested facial recognition to enhance security and enable contactless payments.

In a pilot program concluded after an initial testing phase, the Metropolitan Public Transport Directorate (DTPM) partnered with Innovatrics and RSA (Chile’s integrator of Innovatrics solutions) to trial facial biometrics on the city’s Red bus network, aiming to streamline boarding while strengthening payment validation and security.

‘Your Face Becomes Your Ticket’

The pilot, which initially launched on route 406 operated by Metbus, utilizes high-precision cameras powered by Innovatrics facial recognition algorithms. These systems allow enrolled passengers to board buses without the need for a physical “Bip!” card or a mobile QR code.

“This technology identifies unique facial features to verify identity in real-time,” explained Enrique Sepúlveda, General Manager of RSA, the technical partner implementing the solution. “The goal is a seamless, secure, and efficient experience where your face becomes your ticket.”

What the Pilot Has Achieved

According to the final results released by DTPM, the 2025 pilot program yielded impressive outcomes:

• Reduced Evasion: By automating the validation process, the system directly addresses Santiago’s 38.2% fare evasion rate.
• Fraud Prevention: The technology ensures that subsidized benefits, such as those for students and seniors, are used exclusively by their rightful owners.
• High Accuracy: The Innovatrics-powered system demonstrated 98% accuracy, functioning effectively in diverse conditions including low light, fog, and even when passengers wore hats or glasses.
• Public Safety: In addition to payments, the system provides a platform to enhance onboard security by potentially identifying individuals with active legal warrants.

What Comes Next

Following the success of this first stage, the DTPM plans to expand the pilot from 5 to 10 buses in the coming months. If these results continue to hold, a full-scale implementation across the Red Movilidad network is projected for the second half of 2026.

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