The Indore Metro, is set to revolutionize public transportation in the city. Among the many advanced features it will bring, the Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) system stands out as a key component. AFC is a technology-driven solution that streamlines the ticketing process, ensuring a smooth and efficient experience for commuters. Let's delve into the details of this cutting-edge system and explore the possibilities it holds for the future.
Contactless NCMC (National Common Mobility Card): A Game-Changer
Gone are the days of traditional metro tokens and the closed-loop Cards. NCMC is a Government of India initiative with the vision of ‘one nation, one card’ for all payments (transit as well as retail). The Indore Metro has adopted NCMC concept, similar to those used by few other major metro systems in India. These cards are normal Prepaid-cum-debit cards compatible to EMV and Rupay standards issued by any Bank that is authorized by the Reserve Bank of India. This card can be availed from transit operator outlets or from the card issuer Bank outlets with minimum KYC requirements.
NCMC: Truly interoperable and multi-modal fare media
The NCMC mainly consists of two logical areas – one area for creating “Global wallet” (known as Common Service Area – CSA) that can be used for retail payments and for standard transit fare payments while another is Operator Specific Area (OSA) that defines the transit operator specific fare products such as periodic pass, trip pass, tourist pass, concessional fares etc. Multiple OSAs for multiple transit operators can be defined in one card. This reduces queues at the ticket counters and also allows for quick, paper-less, contactless hassle-free authentication and fare deduction at the AFC gates. The NCMC smart card purchase and top up can be done online or at the ticket counters in station premises. This provides a greater flexibility to the patrons who have to travel from one mode of transit to another or one city to another city while the payments can be made with the help of only one single card. Therefore, NCMC establishes a single platform for the payments across all the transit operators in India resulting in interoperability and multi-modal facility for the fare payment.
Seamless Validation and Journey Tracking
The AFC system in the Indore Metro records crucial information on the NCMC Card itself, including the station where it was issued and the user's available balance inside the Card. When a Card is presented at the AFC gate, first it is authenticated with the issuer (Bank) of the Card, then its validity is checked. If the Card is valid for entry or exit, the gate opens, ensuring a seamless journey for the commuter. In case of any issues, the system prompts the user to approach customer care. The authentication and validation occur in a fraction of second.
QR Coded Ticketing
Indore Metro will also launch QR code paper tickets for passengers of Indore Metro. QR Coded tickets would be available for Single journeys and Return journeys. The new system is an alternative to the tokens and closed loop cards and the AFC gates will be able to scan the QR codes and collect the fares. One of the popular benefits of QR codes is easy access to information. By simply scanning the QR codes, the information that is shown on the ticket can be unlocked. Once the journey encoded in the QR is completed, the QR code of the ticket gets deactivated in the system to avoid its re-use. QR coded tickets would also be purchased from Mobile App and website of Indore Metro. With QR codes, Metro operation staff does not need to make any additional screening to verify the identity of ticket holders. They can just simply scan the QR codes with their scanners to access the ticket holder information. This helps streamline and better organize their process, reducing waiting time at entry points.
Efficient Revenue Collection System
The AFC system in the Indore Metro utilizes advanced technologies to manage revenue collection efficiently. When a QR ticket is purchased, the fare amount and entry-exit points are encoded inside the QR and the transaction is uploaded in the centralized server. As commuters use the QR ticket, the validator at the AFC Gate validates the entry-exit-fare-time validity encoded inside the QR code. Similarly, when NCMC card is presented at the AFC Gate, the validator calculates the journey cost based on the entry and exit points. Gates open only if the remaining balance is sufficient or prompt the user to pay the remaining amount. The NCMC transactions are uploaded on the AFC’s Centralized server and also forwarded to the Bank Acquirer System for reconciliation of NCMC transactions.
Future Possibilities and Enhancements
The AFC system implemented in the Indore Metro sets the foundation for further advancements. Its integration with web applications allows users to top up their contactless smart cards online, making ticket purchasing even more convenient. The system would be enabled with Account based ticketing and NFC ticketing. The system also accepts various payment mechanisms, including banknotes, coins, credit/debit cards, and smart cards.
Enhanced Security and Efficiency
The AFC system in the Indore Metro enhances security by ensuring that only passengers with valid tickets and card can access the paid area. The automatic entry/exit gates and fencing separate the paid and unpaid areas, minimizing the chances of fare evasion. With 100% ticket checks, the system ensures an efficient and fair ticketing process.
Convenient Ticketing Solutions
The Indore Metro's AFC system offers a range of ticketing options to cater to different passenger needs. Ticket vending machines (TVMs) equipped with QR Scanner and NCMC card reader allow passengers to purchase QR Tickets using UPI & Credit/Debit cards. Additionally, TVM make it convenient for passengers to top up their NCMC cards, eliminating the need for frequent ticket purchases.
Enhanced User Experience
With its quick ticket validation process, the AFC system expedites entry and exit for metro users. By leveraging NCMC and QR technology, the system eliminates the need for physical contact, reducing queue times and ensuring a smooth flow of commuters. This not only improves user experience but also helps minimize crowd congestion at AFC gates during peak hours.
Seamless Integration with Other Metro Systems
The Indore Metro's decision to adopt NCMC aligns with the ticketing systems used by other major metro networks in India, such as Delhi Metro and Mumbai Metro. This integration facilitates seamless interconnectivity between metro systems, allowing passengers to use a single contactless card across various metros, making travel more convenient for frequent commuters.
Data-Driven Insights
The AFC system captures valuable data on passenger movements, journey patterns, and ticket usage. This data can be analyzed to gain insights into passenger behavior, optimize service planning, and make informed decisions about infrastructure development. By harnessing these data-driven insights, the Indore Metro can continually improve its operations and cater to the evolving needs of its commuters.
Conclusion
The AFC system in the Indore Metro holds tremendous promise for revolutionizing public transportation in the city. By adopting NCMC and leveraging advanced technologies like QR code, the metro offers commuters a seamless and efficient ticketing experience. As the metro becomes operational, the AFC system will play a pivotal role in ensuring smooth entry and exit, accurate revenue collection, and streamlined journey tracking. The vision for a futuristic metro experience in lndore is taking shape, and the AFC system is a crucial part of that transformation. The AFC system in the Indore Metro not only ensures efficient ticketing and revenue collection but also sets the foundation for future enhancements and technological advancements. By embracing advanced technology and leveraging data insights, the Indore Metro has the potential to offer a seamless and user-centric travel experience for commuters.
Comments
Post a Comment