- Case Study
Beep: Transforming Public Transport with a Smart, Low- Cost Jeepney Ticketing System
Project Overview
Public transport in developing countries faces inefficiencies, revenue leakage, and manual fare collection challenges. Jeepneys and buses in the Philippines rely on cash transactions, leading to delays, fare disputes, and financial mismanagement.
Our client, a transport technology provider, needed an NFC-based Automated Fare Collection System (AFCS) that could digitize payments, improve transparency, and reduce revenue losses. They partnered with Magnatesage Technologies to develop a scalable, cost-effective, and real-time cloud-connected system.
By integrating Android-based NFC terminals, GPS-powered fare calculations, and a cloud-based backend, we enabled a frictionless, tap-and-go ticketing experience while giving operators real-time insights into revenue and passenger flow.
Team size
7 People
Industry
Public Transport & Smart Ticketing
Timeline
3 months
Objectives
- Automate fare collection using NFC-based transactions.
- Eliminate revenue leakage & fraud through real-time tracking.
- Ensure seamless backend synchronization for transaction visibility.
- Improve driver and passenger experience through a user-friendly interface.
- Develop a scalable system for expansion across multiple routes.
The Challenges
- Real-Time Transaction Processing
- Unstable Network Connectivity
- GPS Accuracy & Route-Based Fare Calculation
- Position Tracking & Automated Fare Calculation
- Vehicle Route Tracking & Waypoint Identification
- Passenger Tap-in Without Tap-out
- Driver & Passenger Adoption
- Hardware Durability & Tamper Prevention
Our Solution
- Optimized NFC processing to complete tap-in/tap-out in <500ms, reducing passenger boarding time.
- Implemented offline transaction storage with auto-sync on reconnection, ensuring seamless operations even in low-network areas.
- Used multi-source GPS data processing to ensure ±10m accuracy, enabling precise fare deductions based on distance traveled. Integrated route validation algorithms to prevent incorrect fare charges.
- Developed an adaptive position tracking system using GPS, speed history, and route geometry to correct inaccurate location data and prevent fare miscalculations due to poor GPS signals.
- Created a Track Management System that records waypoints and stop locations along routes. The system auto-identifies stops based on historical trip data, enabling accurate fare computation without requiring manual driver inputs.
- Implemented a fallback logic where a missing tap-out event triggers an auto-charge for the full route fare and flags the transaction for auditing. This prevents revenue loss from unregistered exits.
- Built a simple, intuitive UI with multi-language support, requiring minimal training. Developed an error-proof transaction flow that guides users through fare payment.
- Designed rugged, heat-resistant, shockproof NFC terminals to withstand harsh transport conditions. Integrated anti-tampering mechanisms to detect and block unauthorized modifications.
Deliverables
- NFC-Based Fare Collection System – Android-based passenger & driver terminals.
- Real-Time Backend Sync & Analytics – 15-minute auto-uploads & transaction monitoring.
- Ultra-Fast Processing Time – Tap-in/tap-out within 500ms for uninterrupted passenger flow.
- Scalable Cloud Infrastructure – Microservices-based backend, expandable to new transport operators.
- Durability & Anti-Theft Features – Tamper-proof, heat-resistant, and optimized for public transport conditions.
- Driver & Passenger Adoption Strategy – UI training & multilingual support.
Achievements & Business Impact
50% Faster Go-To-Market
- Delivered a working prototype in 8 weeks, cutting development time in half.
40% Cost Optimization
- Eliminated on-premise server costs with cloud-based backend.
- Used off-the-shelf Android NFC devices, reducing hardware expenses.
60% Faster Transaction Speeds
- Tap-in/tap-out time reduced to <500ms, preventing commuter delays.
Scalable & Future-Proof
- AI-powered fraud detection reduced anomalies by 80%, ensuring secure payments.
Tech Stack
NFC, Android
Mobile Development: JAVA (Android)
Conclusion
- Reduced fare collection time by 50%, enabling smoother operations.
- Eliminated cash handling issues, reducing revenue leakage by 30%.
- Enabled real-time data insights, optimizing routes and pricing.
- Ensured seamless adoption, with drivers & passengers onboarding in days.
With Android, NFC, and cloud automation, we set a new standard for digital fare collection in emerging transport markets.
- Some words from Client
Working with the Magnatesage Team has consistently been a smooth and rewarding experience. They've delivered exactly what we needed within set deadlines and have shown a flexible, professional attitude that adapts well to shifting business objectives. Their proactive communication, cooperative spirit, and dedication to quality make them a team we keep returning to. We've completed multiple successful projects together, and it's always a delight to collaborate with them. We look forward to continuing this partnership on future projects
Ingo Noka
CEO AF Payments Inc