BEIJING, Feb 21 — Wearable technology has arrived for Beijing commuters in the form of a wrist strap that doubles as a transit card and health monitor.

The new contactless cards can be connected to mobile phones wirelessly, reported Xinhuanet, and puts an end to the fumbling of transit cards lost in the depths of backpacks and handbags.

Issued by the Beijing Municipal Transportation Card Co., the transit passes can be recharged via mobile devices, a move aimed at eliminating long lines at ticketing offices. Balance information can also be obtained via mobile devices.

Likewise, the bracelets double as health monitors and provide health-related recommendations.

Devices are being sold for CNY168 (RM98) and the technology is expected to roll out to 400 cities across the country.

The Beijing transit pass is the latest application of wearable technology in the transport industry.

Airlines have likewise begun launching wearable boarding passes in partnership with smartwatch makers.

In partnership with Sony, Spanish budget airline Vueling launched the world’s first wearable boarding pass last year. Owners of the Sony SmartWatch 2 are able to download boarding cards directly on their wrist thanks to a Vueling app.

Likewise Spanish carrier Iberia offers a similar service for owners of the Samsung Gear 2 smartwatch and airberlin does the same for Pebble and Pebble Steel smartwatch owners. — AFP-Relaxnews