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Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) System Transforms Rail Transit Efficiency

The Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) system is the cornerstone of ticket management in modern rail transit operations. This system uses various ticket media, such as magnetic cards (e.g., paper or PET magnetic cards) and smart cards (e.g., contactless IC cards), to automate critical functions like ticket vending, validation, and fare calculation. By integrating advanced technologies like computer networks, communication, and automatic control, the AFC system enhances efficiency in ticketing and passenger management.

Key components of the AFC system include:

  • Automatic Ticket Vending Machines (ATVMs)
  • Semi-Automatic Ticket Replenishment Machines
  • Automatic Ticket Checking Machines
  • Query Machines

Together, these elements enable seamless ticketing, secure fare collection, and real-time data insights, ensuring a better travel experience for passengers.

Challenges in Implementing an AFC System

Designing and deploying an Automatic Fare Collection system for rail transit involves addressing several critical challenges:

Key challenges include:

High Reliability and Availability

To maintain 24/7 operation, the system requires: Redundant network designs (e.g., VRRP, redundant ring networks); Devices with a Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF) exceeding 300,000 hours

Advanced Network Technology

Keeping pace with technological advancements is essential. The AFC system’s network structure and management must be scalable and future-proof.

High Performance

With large volumes of simultaneous ticketing and validations, a multi-layer network structure (access, convergence, and core layers) is necessary to achieve full gigabit network transmission.

Security

Capital transaction data must be protected through encrypted data transmission, access control and real-time monitoring and auditing.

Maintainability

Given the harsh environments where AFC equipment operates, the system must support easy device replacement, rapid fault identification and remote monitoring.

Solution

Our comprehensive solution addresses these challenges through innovative technologies:

Gigabit Ring Aggregation Network

We implemented a Gigabit ring aggregation network using MW-Ring redundancy technology. This ensures communication recovery within 20 milliseconds during failures, offering reliable data transmission and system stability.

Virtual LAN (VLAN) Isolation and Data Encryption

VLAN isolation segregates data across different functional areas, enhancing security. Encrypted data transmission protects sensitive transaction information.

Fanless, Low-Power Design with High Protection

Front-end devices feature with fanless low-power operation, compliance with EMC4 standards IP40 protection, enabling 24/7 operation in challenging environments while reducing energy and maintenance costs.

Plug-and-Play Functionality

Devices support plug-and-play for effortless maintenance and replacement, minimizing downtime and operational complexity.

Unified Network and Clearing Center Management

Integration with the MaxView network management system streamlines network monitoring. Centralized management of the Automatic Ticket Clearing Center (ACC) ensures accurate ticketing data.

User Benefits

Adopting our Automatic Fare Collection system delivers significant advantages:

Enhanced Ticketing Efficiency

Automating ticket vending, validation, and fare calculation improves operational accuracy and efficiency.

Cost Reduction

Lower maintenance and operational costs through reduced manual intervention and system downtime.

Improved Passenger Experience

Faster, user-friendly ticketing processes enhance passenger satisfaction.

Robust Security

Features like encrypted data transmission and access control protect system integrity and transaction data.

Summary

Our Automatic Fare Collection system is tailored to meet the demanding requirements of modern rail transit. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies and prioritizing scalability, security, and efficiency, we empower transit operators to optimize their services while enhancing the passenger experience.

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