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You know what’s one of the most frustrating things in the world? When the person standing in front of you to get into the subway has problems swiping his or her card. Sure, it seems easy, but apparently the concept of placing your card in a slot and running it through is just foreign to some people. Out in San Francisco, they have it a bit easier, as your card is just placed over a sensor, rather than running it through a credit card-eqsue slot. They’re not in a trial period for an easier method: placing your mobile phone over a sensor.

It really is as simple as it sounds. Pull cell phone our of pocket/holster/purse, wave over sensor, walk into subway. You load up funds right from your bank account, a process that will become much easier as we move further into mobile banking.

Sprint is looking for Bay Area transit users to assist in this trial. If you’re a Sprint or Boost Mobile customer, pay for your own bill (so no kids on their parents’ plan), ride the BART at least once a week, and will be living in the area through May 2008, you are eligible for participation.

The catch is that you have to use their trial phone as your primary phone for the four-month trial. So if you’re in love with your handset, this might not be for you.

So what’s in it for the testers?

1. You will be paid an incentive for your participation.
2. You will have the convenience of your leather wallet in your Sprint mobile phone in a secure fashion. You won’t have to fumble for cash, a ticket or card when riding BART or paying at Jack in the Box. Simply hold your phone up to the reader and you’re done!
3. You will pass through the lines at a faster pace.
4. You will use cutting edge technology for everyday purchases.

Yes, you can use this payment method at Jack in the Box, too (though that’s one of our least favorite west coast fast foot joints).

If you’re interested, head to Sprint’s trial page, where you can view further information and find a link to sign up. It sounds like a great idea to us. We’d love quicker passage through turnstiles.

[Banking Unwired]

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