The digital card: a lever to simplify access to services, stimulate the hyperlocal economy and promote the ecological transition

The integration of the bciti+ digital card radically transforms access to civic and urban services by facilitating the identification, management, and use of municipal facilities, public transportation, and local businesses. By combining advanced technologies and artificial intelligence (AI), this solution addresses several challenges of modern cities: streamlining access to services, boosting the local economy, and promoting an eco-friendly, proximity-based approach.

Simplification of access to civic and urban services

The bciti+ digital card allows citizens to access a wide range of civic or urban services, including libraries, sports centers, parking lots with entry or exit barriers, eco-centers, shops, public transportation, community facilities, and more.

Technologies used 

• 2D and 3D barcodes : The card incorporates QR codes and other advanced barcodes that allow quick and secure validation using optical readers.

• NFC (Near Field Communication) technology : This technology enables instant, contactless authentication, reducing queues and enhancing the user experience.

• Smart access terminals, manual readers on mobile phones or other reading devices : These terminals, deployed in the City of Brossard, enable card reading and automatic door opening in real-time once the identity is verified, while displaying validation on a screen for monitoring agents. These readers can also be used for event access in parks or other facilities. This system eliminates friction and improves security.

Stimulating the local economy

The accessibility of civic and urban services through the bciti+ digital card creates new opportunities for local merchants and entrepreneurs.

• Access to local offers : The card allows citizens to obtain discounts or exclusive promotions from local merchants, encouraging local consumption. Genuine circuits or advantageous packages for users can be created by combining privileges offered by different partners.
• Lead generation for businesses : Based on user preferences and usage, merchants can offer personalized deals.
• Loyalty programs : Points or credit systems can be integrated into the card to encourage behaviors that reduce CO2 emissions or based on usage in local stores. Merchants can also quickly intervene to offer deals in case of exceptional situations, such as a snowstorm, strengthening community bonds.

Contribution to the technological transition

One of the major challenges for cities is reducing the carbon footprint and optimizing the use of local resources.

• Streamlining travel : By consolidating several services on one platform, the digital card reduces travel, promoting a more compact and greener city.
• Optimizing eco-center management : With digital access to eco-centers, the bciti+ card allows better decision-making and encourages recycling.
• Encouraging the use of sustainable transportation : Incentives, such as discounts or privileged access to shared mobility services (bikes, scooters, public transportation), can be integrated into the card.

The future evolution and the role of AI

The integration of AI into the management of civic or urban services opens up even more ambitious perspectives.

• Optimized decision-making for administrators : AI analyzes service usage data to optimize schedules, anticipate needs, and avoid infrastructure overload.
• Adaptive management of facilities : By predicting user flow, municipalities can adjust the use of sports facilities, libraries, and other infrastructures in real-time.
• Personalized recommendations for citizens : Based on their usage and location, AI can suggest relevant activities or services, maximizing citizen engagement.

The bciti+ digital card is much more than just an identification tool; it is revolutionizing the management of civic and urban services by simplifying access, stimulating the local economy, and fostering an ecological transition through better resource management.

With the evolution of NFC technologies, 2D and 3D barcode readers, and the integration of AI, the future of the digital card looks even more promising, paving the way for smarter and more inclusive urban governance.