AFC Solutions

Automatic Fare Collection System

AFC (Automatic Fare Collection) is a system that enables seamless, automated fare collection for public transportation. It integrates various payment methods such as contactless cards, mobile payments, QR codes, and account-based ticketing to enhance passenger convenience and operational efficiency. An Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) Solution is a fully integrated system used in public transportation to automate the ticketing process. It includes technologies that allow for seamless, efficient fare payments and fare payment and access across metro, bus, rail, and more.

AFC

Hybrid AFC Solutions

Automatic Fare Collection - EMV, ABT, Closed Loop
  • Classic closed loop automatic fare collection solutions
  • Cloud/Account based automatic fare collection solutions using the principle “bring your own media” (ABT)
  • Contactless EMV payment solutions

Key Features of an AFC Solutions

  • Multi-Modal Support – Works across buses, trains, metros, and ferries.
  • Contactless Payments – Supports NFC-enabled bank cards, transit smart cards, and mobile wallets (Google Pay, Phone Pe, etc.).
  • Transit Payment Gateway – The secure digital interface that facilitates real-time fare payments between passengers and transit operators.
  • QR Code & Mobile Ticketing – Allows payments via scanned QR codes on apps or paper tickets.
  • Account-Based Ticketing (ABT) – Users can travel with digital accounts, eliminating the need for physical tickets.
  • Real-Time Transaction Processing – Ensures fast and secure fare transactions.
  • Integration with Banking Networks – Supports credit/debit cards and EMV standards.
  • Fraud Prevention & Security – Uses encryption, tokenization, and authentication protocols.
  • Automated Fare Capping & Discounts – Implements fare rules dynamically based on usage.
  • Open-Loop & Closed-Loop Systems – Can function with general-purpose bank cards (open-loop) or transit-specific cards (closed-loop).
  • Reporting & Analytics – Provides insights into ridership, fare collection, and payment trends.

AFC Benefits


Shellinfo AFC Capabilities

AFC for Operators

 Transparent revenue management, reduced costs, easier compliance, and valuable operational insights.

AFC for Passengers

 Convenient, cashless, and contactless journeys across multiple transit systems with a single account or device.

AFC


  • Product Design & Development
  • Web & Mobile App Development
  • Manufacturing
  • System Installation
  • Software Engineering
  • Servicing & Maintenance Support

Types of AFC Solutions

AFC

1. Closed-Loop AFC

    Uses proprietary smart cards or tokens issued by the transit authority.
    Ex: Metro cards or bus smart cards.

Open Loop Ticket

2. Open-Loop AFC

    Accepts EMV bank cards (Visa/Mastercard/RuPay), UPI, mobile wallets.
    Enables use of personal payment instruments directly at fare gates.

Automatic Fare Collection

3. Account-Based Ticketing

    The travel right is linked to an account rather than a physical card.
    Fare is calculated post-travel based on rules (daily/weekly caps).

Automatic Fare Collection

4. Mobile Ticketing

    Uses QR codes, barcodes, or NFC-enabled smartphones as virtual tickets.
    Can be integrated with journey planning and real-time tracking apps.

Key Benefits

Seamless & Convenient Passenger Experience

  • Enables fast, hassle-free boarding with contactless and digital payments.
  • Reduces long queues at ticket counters and eliminates the need for exact change.

Multi-Modal &
Interoperable Payments

  • Supports various transport modes, including buses, metros, trains, and ferries.
  • Works with multiple payment methods like smart cards, mobile wallets, QR codes, and EMV bank cards.

Increased Operational Efficiency

  • Automates fare collection, reducing manual cash handling and errors.
  • Ensures faster, more accurate financial reconciliation.

Enhanced Revenue Collection & Management

  • Minimizes revenue leakage and fraud with secure, encrypted transactions.
  • Provides real-time revenue tracking and analytics for better financial oversight.

Cost Reduction & Infrastructure Optimization

  • Reduces the need for paper tickets, vending machines, and ticketing booths.
  • Lowers maintenance costs of outdated fare collection systems.

Secure & Fraud-Resistant Transactions

  • Uses advanced security protocols like encryption, tokenization, and multi-factor authentication.
  • Ensures compliance with PCI-DSS, EMV, and other industry security standards.

dataanalytics

Real-Time Data Insights & Analytics

  • Tracks passenger trends, peak travel times, and fare usage patterns.
  • Helps transit agencies optimize routes, schedules, and pricing strategies.

supports

Supports Contactless & Cashless Economy

  • Encourages digital transactions, reducing dependency on cash.
  • Enhances financial inclusion by supporting multiple digital payment methods.

environment

Environmentally Friendly & Sustainable

  • Eliminates paper tickets, reducing environmental waste.
  • Lowers the carbon footprint associated with cash handling and ticket printing