A typical AFC System is a contactless smart card based end-to-end solution that shifts the paradigm from manual ticketing using paper or plastic tickets and physical cash to automated ticketing by utilizing contactless smart card technology as the secure element of the ticketing mechanism. With the constant evolution of the contactless technology through Near-field Communication (NFC) standards, it has spurred different form factors of ticketing media such as cards, wearables, and the most infamous, smart phones.
Front-end system can be composed of contactless smart cards, contactless/NFC readers, turnstiles and ticketing vending machines for carrying out transactions and back-end system primarily consists of servers and Hardware Security Modules (HSM) for transaction clearing and settlement. This end-to-end AFC solution provides commuters a hassle-free, flexible, portable, and environmental-friendly fare payment experience to multiple modes of transit. Incorporating Circle smart card readers and NFC tags/labels in the AFC solution transforms user experience to the next level.
Fare collection has been simplified due to the contactless tap-and-go payment mechanism. With the payment transaction being done in milliseconds, boarding rates are higher and therefore, substantially reduce trip duration. Furthermore, reduced trip duration can increase frequency of trips and ridership. On the other hand, operating costs and cash handling costs are reduced and revenue is increased.
Commuter satisfaction is improved by online or offline means of reloading and ticketing payment, minimizing queueing time for ticket purchases, and reducing transit times.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the AFC system using NFC technology has been the key solution for reducing physical contact and maintaining social distancing among commuters, drivers, and transport operator personnel. As much as the technology itself has good business cases all over the world, contactless transactions significantly reduced interactions among operators and commuters to mitigate some safety concerns.
The AFC system contributes to the environment by replacing single-use paper or plastic tickets to reusable and flexible ticketing secure elements of the contactless technology in different form factors. Due to the overall automation process of the fare collection reducing boarding times and trip durations, public vehicles tend to consume lesser fuel and therefore, leave lesser carbon footprint.
The initial implementation of the AFC system started as a prepaid application for a single or few transportation service operators. The solution is flexible enough to be expanded to other industries such as retail, logistics, hospitality and entertainment, and government that can adopt an interoperable payment system. Moreover, other cross applications such as access control, loyalty or NFC URL marketing campaigns can be integrated with the AFC system making the synergy of applications strategic and valuable to the said industries involved.
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