Speeding computers into mass transit.

Spring Technologies, Falls Church, Va., has announced plans to develop and introduce an automated biometric ticketing system--using high-speed iris recognition technology developed by IriScan, Inc., Mt. Laurel, N.J. The goal of the fare collection system--called TranScan--is to expedite regular commuter entry and exit at subway and train stations across the country by minimizing and eventually eliminating the commuter's need to insert a card, pass, or token. In addition to reducing substantially the costs of ticket production and collection, transit agencies will be able to facilitate a more orderly flow of traffic.

Using the new system, commuters will look into a special camera as...