RFID has become useful in a great way in the transportation and logistics sector. The major implementations are in toll collections, ticketing, tracking etc. In each of these, scores of countries around the world, led by technologically advanced countries like Japan and Germany, have developed considerable infrastructure and made RFID inspired technology commonplace.
Take toll collection, for instance: in countries like Japan, Italy, Canada, Turkey, Singapore, and the United States, toll collections using RFID devices has become well known. RFID tags are read as a vehicle passes through a toll booth, reducing waiting time, toll bypasses and a host of other issues. Toll barriers are not required, because whether a vehicle speeds away or does not stop, the RFID tag can still be read by tag readers installed at the booths. Moreover, manual manning of toll booths are not necessary any longer, which saves the taxpayer hundreds of thousands of dollars in salaries.
In various parts of the Eurozone and other countries around the world, RFID devices are used to pay for public transport. You can purchase tickets easily using these devices; there is no waiting in lines, no hassles. In some countries like Sweden, this system has been operational for 15 or more years. Although many developing nations are yet to see this technology, it is assured that in a few more years, RFID transportation assistance devices will be a global phenomenon.
One more use of this device is in the area of carpooling. Here, RFID devices are used to identify legitimate carpoolers and the devices are even used to open car doors and start the ignitions.
Finally, logistics is one area where the RFID has found a natural niche. It is being used to track locomotives with shipments, and the Hong Kong airport actually uses RFID devices to track baggage.