A method of collecting travel fares in a transport system

Abstract

For electronic fare collection, an APP is downloaded onto a smartphone for automatic payment for transit fare. Upon successful registration of funds onto the APP an associated server system issues a fund indicator to the APP. Upon machine-reading the fund indicator by the validation terminal at the entry and exit gates in the transit station, the application server system calculates the transit fare and reissues the fund indicator with balance funds available after deducting the transit fare to the computer application module (APP). Indication of sufficient funds when scanned at the entry gate allows entry of the passenger through the entry gate. During the passenger's travel, the correctness of the funds is checked and a top up of insufficient funds requested before exiting through the exit gate.

Claims

1. A method of collecting travel fares in a transport system, wherein the transport system comprising multiple departure locations with multiple destinations and with a variable fare system in which a fare is dependent on the distance between a departure location and a destination; wherein each departure location comprises an entry gate system with at least one entry gate and at least one local entry computer, and each destination comprises an exit gate system with at least one exit gate and at least one local exit computer; wherein each of the entry gates is provided with entry validation terminal data-connected to the at least one local entry computer, and each of the exit gates is provided with an exit validation terminal data-connected to the at least one local exit computer; and wherein the transport system is configured for registering a passenger's passage through the entry gate and exit gate by the corresponding validation terminals for calculating the fare for the distance of the passenger's travel from the departure location to the destination and charging the passenger for the fare; wherein the method comprises: providing a computer application, APP, and submitting it to at mobile telephone of the passenger and installing it, wherein the mobile telephone comprises a SIM card with a telephone number; the APP being programmed for registering prepaid funds that are available on a user account of the passenger for covering automatic collection of the fare; wherein the APP is programmed to display a machine readable fund indicator on the display of the mobile telephone, the fund indicator indicating the remaining funds on the user account; providing an application server system associated with the APP and causing the APP to submit ID data of the mobile telephone, the ID data including the telephone number, from the APP to the application server system and by the application server system creating a user account and associating the ID data with the user account; by the application server system registering collection of prepaid funds into the user account prior to collection of the fare and sending corresponding data to the APP for registration of the available prepaid funds by the APP and indicating the funds by the fund indicator; providing a data connection between the application server system and the entry and exit computers for exchange of passenger-related data between the application server system and the entry and exit computers; wherein the method comprises as part of the passenger's travel at the entry gate for the passenger, by the entry validation terminal machine-reading the fund indicator on the display of the mobile telephone as part of an entry registration of the passenger; evaluating at the passenger's entry gate by the entry computer whether the fund indicator indicates funds above a predetermined threshold and allowing the passenger to pass the entry gate only in the case that the threshold is met; in the event of the threshold not being met, preventing the passenger to pass the entry gate and submitting data from the fund indicator, as machine-read at the entry gate, from the at least one entry computer to the application server system and by the application server system causing the APP to indicate to the passenger to register more funds in order to pass through the entry gate; in the event of the threshold is being met, as a control measure, only after entry of the passenger through the entry gate, exchanging data with the application server system and by the application server system checking whether available funds on the corresponding user account as registered by the application server system actually meet the threshold, and if the funds registered as available on the corresponding user account do not meet the threshold, despite the indication of sufficient funds by the fund indicator, registering the associated ID data in a watch list; submitting the watch list from the application server system to all exit computers; at the exit gate for the passenger, by the exit validation terminal machine-reading the fund indicator on the display of the mobile telephone as part of an exit registration of the passenger; checking the watch list by the exit computers at the passenger's exit gate for ID data for the passengers passing the exit validation terminal and preventing the passenger to pass through the exit gate if the watch list contains the ID data; and submitting data from the fund indicator, as machine-read at the exit gate, from the at least one exit computer to the application server system; by the application server system, on the basis of the data received from the entry and exit computers, calculating a fare for the travel between the passenger's entry gate and the exit gate and deducting the fare from the available funds in the corresponding user account, submitting data for available remaining funds in the corresponding user account from the application server system to the APP, registering the funds by the APP and on the display of the mobile telephone indicating the remaining funds by the fund indicator.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprises: providing an inspection terminal with a data connection to the application server system; the inspection terminal being configured for receiving a telephone number by manual input on a keypad or touchpad of the inspection terminal or by voice recording with speech recognition; by control-personnel operating the inspection terminal; by the inspection terminal receiving the passenger's telephone number from manual input or voice recording and submitting it to the application server system; by the application server system checking the available funds on the corresponding user account and checking whether the ID data have been received by the application server system from an entry computer as a confirmation of the entry-registration at an entry validation terminal at the start of the passenger's travel from a departure location; by the application server submitting an indication of the available funds back to the inspection terminal as well as an entry-indication of an entry-registration or lack thereof; displaying the available funds and the entry-indication on a display of the inspection terminal; by the control-personal checking the displaying of the available funds and the entry-indication on the display of the inspection terminal and allowing the passenger to pass the exit gate only if the indicated available funds meet a predetermined threshold and only if an entry-registration is confirmed by the entry-indication; after the passage of the passenger through the exit gate, submitting a confirmation of the passenger's exit to the application server system.

3. The method according to claim 2, further comprises: providing an inspection terminal with a data connection to the application server system; the inspection terminal being configured for machine-reading the fund indica tor on the display of the passenger's mobile telephone; by control-personnel operating the inspection terminal; by the inspection terminal machine-reading the fund indicator, extracting the ID da ta, and displaying the funds from the fund indicator on a display of the inspection terminal, submitting the Id data to the application server system; by the application server system checking the available funds on the corresponding user account and checking whether the ID data have been received by the application server system from an entry computer as a confirmation of the entry-registration at an entry validation terminal at the start of the passenger's travel from a departure location; by the application server system submitting an indication of the available funds back to the inspection terminal as well as an entry-indication of an entry-registration or lack thereof; displaying the available funds and the entry-indication on a display of the inspection terminal; by the control-personal checking the displaying of the available funds and the entry-indication on the display of the inspection terminal and allowing the passenger to pass the exit gate only if the indicated available funds meet a predetermined threshold and only if an entry-registration is confirmed by the entry-indication; after the passage of the passenger through the exit gate, submitting a confirmation of the passenger's exit to the application server system.

4. The method according to claim 2, wherein the inspection terminal is a hand-held inspection terminal comprising a further mobile telephone provided with an inspection computer application, INS-APP, associated with the application server system, the INS-APP being programmed for communication with the application server system and for receiving and displaying the indication of the available funds as well as the entry-indication and the fund indicator on a display of the further mobile telephone, by the control-personal causing the exit validation terminal to machine-read the fund indicator as displayed on the hand held inspection terminal and letting the passenger pass the exit gate only if the indicated available funds meet a predetermined threshold and only if an entry-registration is confirmed by the entry-indication.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the fund indicator comprises a barcode, wherein data for the available funds and the ID data are indicated by the barcode.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0050] The invention is exemplified in the following with reference to the drawings:

[0051] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a system for electronic fare collection;

[0052] FIG. 2 is a flow chart of stages of fund-registration on the user account for an automatic payment for transit fare, receiving a machine readable fund indicator and the transaction statement;

[0053] FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating the stages for machine-reading the fund indicator by validation terminal at entry and exit gates at a station and automatically deducting the transit fare from the user account of the passenger.

[0054] FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating the stages for inspecting the user account of the passenger on the inspection computer application module (INS-APP) and exit-registering the passenger by machine-reading the fund indicator on inspection computer application module (INS-APP) by validation terminal at exit gate by transit operator staff.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0055] According to an exemplary embodiment, the present invention comprises at least a backend database for data storage, Libraries and Framework for secured data transmission over the web, Frontend and Mobile App Platforms for end user.

[0056] The term ‘Smartphone’ is used herein as a mobile telephone with capabilities for Internet access and with an advanced mobile operating system that is capable of running downloaded applications, also called APPs. Examples of such advanced operating systems include iOS® for iPhone® provided by Apple®, or Android™ or Microsoft Windows. This list is not exhaustive and other operating systems capable of running downloaded applications may be adapted to implement the principal of the present invention.

[0057] The term, “transit station” is used in the following as a general term for the departure location for the travel with the entry gate and the destination with the exit gate. Potentially, it also comprises stations where a passenger changes train or changes between train and bus.

[0058] According to an exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a simple way to automatic pay for the transit fare without the need of a physical card. The system for electronic fare collection of the present invention is more universal and versatile, mostly uses the current infrastructure and processes at transit stations, is capable of avoiding requirement of great amount of capital, new processes and long time to build the system.

[0059] The system for electronic fare collection comprises: a communication device, typically a mobile telephone, which is a smartphone, with Internet access capabilities having at least a SIM card with a registered telephone number, wherein the communication device includes a mobile telephone; a computer application module (APP) capable of being installed in the communication device for receiving an amount of funds to be registered on the user account for automatic payment for transit fare; an application server system associated with the computer application module (APP) and accepting at least a payment, issuing a machine readable fund indicator and a transaction statement; a transit station application module (TSA) associated with application server system capable of being installed on a transit station computer, especially on entry and exit computers, and data-connected to validation terminals at entry and exit gates. The application server system is capable of calculating a transit fare for a journey and deducting the fare from the funds registered on the user account and reissuing the fund indicator and updating the transaction statement on the computer application module (APP).

[0060] Typically, the application server system comprises a plurality of servers that are used in combination.

[0061] Optionally, the transit station application module (TSA) is integrated with existing Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) system.

[0062] The installation procedure for the computer application module (APP) includes downloading the computer application module (APP) over the Internet onto the communication device (mobile telephone) and installing the computer application module thereon. For sake of universality, similar computer application modules (APPs) may be provided for various mobile operating systems, for example iOS®, Android™, Windows®, and like operating systems. Advantageously, the installation procedure of the computer application module (APP) also includes automatically receiving the registered mobile number of the SIM card by the computer application module (APP) and sending the registered mobile number to the application server system. Alternatively, the computer application module (APP) may also prompts the user to type in the mobile telephone number on the keypad of the mobile telephone and sending the registered “mobilenumber1” to the application server system which in turn sends a SMS with an OTP (one time password) to “mobilenumber1” to verify the mobile number.

[0063] On receiving the OTP by user input, the computer application module (APP) submits it automatically to the application server system. Upon successful verification of “mobilenumber1”, the application server system automatically activates a first user account.

[0064] Upon activating the first user account for the mobile number, the computer application module (APP) on the mobile telephone prompts the user to type an amount of funds to be registered on the user account for automatic payment for transit and select a payment method, for example credit card, debit card, net banking, coupon, or e-wallet, and the corresponding information required to process the payment.

[0065] Upon successful payment, the application server system issues a machine readable fund indicator with funds available and a transaction statement to the computer application module (APP).

[0066] This is very advantageous, as the passenger will immediately have the funds available for use on the computer application module (APP) without the need to wait and go to the AVM machine to collect funds for use.

[0067] Additionally, the computer application module (APP) and application server system may be configured to register funds on the user account by cash at ticket counter or AVM/ticketing machine. Upon machine-reading the fund indicator at the AVM/ticketing machine or entering the mobile number in the AVM/ticketing machine and inserting the cash in the AVM/ticketing machine, the transit station's computer system sends the fund-registration with application server system to register the funds on the user account. This will be advantageous to people who does not have credit card, debit card or net banking facilities.

[0068] Optionally, the computer application module (APP) and application server system may be configured to register funds via vouchers, which can be bought at newsagents, supermarkets, or convenience stores. This will be advantageous to decongest ticket counters or AVM/ticketing machines in transit stations.

[0069] In further embodiments, the computer application module (APP) and application server system may be configured to register funds on another user account i.e. computer application module (APP) on another mobile telephone with different mobile number.

[0070] The computer application module (APP) and application server system may be configured to auto fund-register or prompt the user to fund-register in the event the balance funds available falls below a threshold. This will be advantageous in avoiding denial of service due to insufficient funds and hence cause unnecessary delay/disruption in the journey.

[0071] Optionally, the computer application module (APP) and application server system may be configured to buy a season tickets/pass i.e. weekly, monthly, quarterly. This may be advantageous to passengers depending on the transit operator's fare policies.

[0072] The computer application module (APP) and application server system may be configured to give discount for student, senior citizen or young person as per transit operator's fare policies. Once the eligible passenger has submitted the required documents for example a photo, a photo ID and user ID on which they wish to get the discount and it is approved, the application server system loads the photo ID of the passenger on the computer application module (APP) of the user and charge the discounted fares to the user account. The validation terminal may be configured to make a different audio signal upon machine-reading the fund indicator at the validation terminal in the case of privilege class. This will help detecting any misuse by fare enforcement staff.

[0073] Once the validity of the discount finishes, the application server removes the photo ID from the computer application module (APP) and the passenger will be charged the standard fares.

[0074] In further embodiments, the computer application module (APP) and application server system may be configured to issue an additional fund indicator to pay the transit fare for another person improving further user friendliness and versatility of the system. This is very useful for many people traveling with younger or older members of family or friends who do not own a Smartphone.

[0075] Upon machine-reading the fund indicator by the validation terminal installed at an entry gate, the entry gate barricade opens for the passenger to enter the station, the transit station's computer system sends the data on the fund indicator to the application server system. The application server verifies the amount on the fund indicator with the actual amount available on the user account and on successful verification sends the entry-registration notification to the computer application module (APP) and updates the transaction statement for immediate feedback to the passenger.

[0076] Upon machine-reading the fund indicator by the validation terminal installed at the exit gates, the exit gate barricade opens for passenger to exit the station, the transit station's computer system sends the data on the fund indicator to the application server. The application server system calculates the transit fare for the journey undertaken by the passenger, reissue the fund indicator with balance funds available after deducting the transit fare and updates the transaction statement for immediate feedback to the passenger.

[0077] The system and method as presented herein are dynamic and programmable. For example the transit fare is calculated dynamically as per use of the service based on multiple parameters such as the distance travelled, time of the day, the day of the week, time spent, fare capping, and/or maximum penalty fare for incomplete journey.

[0078] The immediate feedback is very advantageous, as the passenger will immediately know any over-charge/penalty fare due to out of service/faulty validation terminal and could resolve the issue promptly with transit operator staff.

[0079] The transaction statement may provide the complete transaction details for example date and time of each registration, incomplete journey, insufficient funds, type of transit mode for example metro, bus, tram.

[0080] The transit station application module (TSA) sends the data on the fund indicator barcode to the application server system immediately and also checks the amount available on the fund indicator. If the amount available on the fund indicator is less than the threshold amount as per transit provider's policies, the entry gate barrier does not open. The application server sends the insufficient-funds notification to the computer application module (APP) and updates the transaction statement.

[0081] If the amount available on the fund indicator is greater than the threshold amount as per transit provider's policies, the entry gate barrier opens. The application server system verifies the funds indicated by the fund indicator with the actual amount available on the user account, as some user may not have updated their fund indicator and the actual amount available on user account is below the threshold amount as per transit provider's policies or the amount indicated by the fund indicator. In the event the actual funds available on the user account is less than the funds as indicated by fund indicator, the application server system registers the user ID on the watch list and submits the watch list to all transit station application module (TSA). The application server system sends a notification to the computer application module APP to register more funds on the user account. If the passenger registers sufficient funds before passing through the exit gate, the application server system removes the user ID from the watch list and updates the watch list to all transit station application module (TSA).

[0082] Upon machine-reading the fund indicator by the validation terminal at an exit at any station, the transit station application module (TSA) checks whether the user ID on the fund indicator is on the watch list, and in the event the user ID is on the watch list, the barrier gate does not open, preventing the passenger from exiting the station. The application server system sends a notification to the computer application module APP to register more funds on the user account.

[0083] In case the fund indicator has not been updated, the passenger will be able to enter the entry station by using the un-updated fund indicator but will not be able to exit the exit station.

[0084] The local decision by the transit station application module (TSA) on the transit station computer system at entry and exit gate is highly advantageous to maximise the speed and throughput through the entry and exit gates rather than waiting for a real time response from the application server system, especially during the peak times, without compromising on the security of the system.

[0085] As an additional option, the transit station application module (TSA) keeps the list of recent entry-registered and exit-registered user ID for example in last 5 minutes to avoid misuse and unintentional double machine-reading the fund indicator. If the ID data is in a recent entry-registration and exit-registration list, the entry/exit gate barrier does not open.

[0086] In an event where the passenger's mobile telephone runs out of battery or gets damaged or lost during the transit, the passenger gives his mobile number to transit operator staff at exit gate. The transit operator staff enters the mobile number of the passenger in the inspection computer application module (INS-APP) and submits it to the application server system. The application server system sends the funds available, fund indicator and entry-registration to the inspection computer application module (INS-APP) to verify it with the passenger. On successful verification, the transit operator staff is exit-registering the passenger by machine reading the fund indicator on the inspection computer application module (INS-APP) by the validation terminal at the exit gate. The application server system reissues the fund indicator with balance funds available after deducting the transit fare, updates the transaction statement in the computer application module (APP) of the mobile telephone of the passenger.

[0087] The inspection computer application module (INS-APP) may be configured to machine-read the user ID on the fund indicator through the camera on the mobile telephone on which the inspection computer application module (INS-APP) is installed.

[0088] Additionally, as an option, the inspection computer application module (INS-APP) may be configured to authorise a refund of penalty fare/overcharge due to out of service/faulty validation terminals or a charge due to genuine mistake on the part of a passenger. This will be very useful in resolving passenger complaints/issues efficiently and effectively.

[0089] The fare enforcement staff can inspect the user account on the computer application module (APP) of the passenger's mobile telephone. In an event that the passenger's mobile telephone runs out of battery or gets damaged or lost during the transit, the fare enforcement staff types the mobile number of the passenger in his inspection computer application module (INS-APP) and submits it to the application server system. The application server system sends the user account details of the passenger to fare enforcement staff's inspection computer application module (INS-APP) to ascertain that the passenger has entry-registered at an entry gate or entry-registered at the start of the journey in case of bus/tram. This will be useful and advantageous for fare enforcement in transit systems with open entry and exit gates.

[0090] The computer application module (APP) and application server system may be configured upon user command the request to refund the balance funds available on the user account. For cash refund, the application server system issues a refund code to the computer application module (APP). Upon machine-reading the fund indicator or entering the mobile number and the refund code in the AVM/ticketing machine, the transit station computer system checks the validity of the refund code with the application server system. In the affirmative, the vending machine refunds the cash and the application server system sends the notification to the computer application module (APP) and updates the transaction statement. This will be advantageous to tourists and visitors.

[0091] The computer application module (APP) and application server system may be configured to transfer balances from the user account to another user account on associated with a different mobile number, thereby improving further user friendliness and versatility of the system.

[0092] In the event that the mobile telephone is damaged or lost, the balance funds available on the user account will be available on the computer application module (APP) on a new telephone with the same telephone number.

[0093] The application server system may provide transit-related information to a passenger, for example, by sending the information to the computer application module (APP). The application server system may notify a passenger about delays due to signal failure or some other reasons on certain routes, planned maintenance/engineering works. The application server system may provide the information to a passenger upon request from the passenger.

[0094] The system for electronic fare collection of the present invention has many advantages for all parties involved, i.e. user, transit operator and government agency. For example, for the user of the system does not need a physical card, reduced operation and inventory cost, as the transit operator does not need to issue and process cards, and visitors can arrive in a city from anywhere in the world and travel using the mobile APP. Moreover, the system for electronic fare collection of the present invention allows immediate transparency to the passenger on every activity on the account. Further, the system for electronic fare collection of the present invention provides multiple payment options, which are well known to the public and widely used in ecommerce transaction enhancing further the user friendliness and versatility of the system. The main advantage for the transit operator is that the system for electronic fare collection of the present invention does not require large investment for expensive additional hardware, reduces the cost of operations and decongest transit stations at minimum cost/investment. The main advantage for the government agency is that the system for electronic fare collection of the present invention allows complete transparency, tourist friendly and decongestion of the transit stations. The convenience, low cost of implementation and reduced operations' costs offered by the present invention ensure widespread acceptance by all parties involved.

[0095] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the functions/features as described above are achieved by proper programming of the application server system, the computer application module (APP), and connection with transit station computer system. In particular, the computer application module (APP) is programmed, as part of the installation procedure of the computer application module (APP), for receiving the telephone number of the SIM card by the computer application module (APP) and sending the telephone number to the application server system associated with the computer application module (APP) in order to activate a user account by the application server system. Upon account activation, the computer application module (APP) is programmed to prompt the user to type the amount of funds to be registered on the user account for automatic payment of transit fare on the computer application module (APP) and select a payment method. Upon user command and request, the computer application module (APP) is programmed to submit amount of funds to be registered and the selected payment method to the application server to process the payment. Upon successful payment, the application server issues a machine readable fund indicator and a transaction statement to the computer application module (APP). Upon machine-reading the fund indicator by the validation terminal installed at an entry gate, the entry gate barricade opens for the passenger to enter the station. The transit station computer system sends the data to the application server system which sends the notification to the computer application module (APP) and updates the transaction statement. Upon machine-reading the fund indicator by the validation terminal installed at the exit gates, the exit gate barricade opens for the passenger to exit the station. The transit station computer system sends the data to the application server. The application server system calculates the transit fare for the journey undertaken by the passenger, reissues the fund indicator with balance funds available after deducting the transit fare, and updates the transaction statement to computer application module (APP).

[0096] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a system 100 for an electronic fare collection, according to an exemplary embodiment. The system 100 includes a plurality of communication devices 110, wherein each of the devices 110 belongs to a passenger of an electronic fare collection service provided by the system 100. Examples of communication devices 110 include mobile telephones, personal computers (PC), mobile computers, or any other device able to operate the computer application module (APP). The plurality of devices 110 have connectivity capability and are configured for communication with the application server system 120, for example by a cellular network or wireless network or other type of mobile communication means.

[0097] The system 100 includes a plurality of transit station computer systems 130. The transit station computer system may constitute multiple for example validation terminals, AVM/ticketing machines, inspection terminals, multiple computers, including entry and exit computers, such as laptops, servers and other suitable peripherals such as are image scanners, barcode reader, digital cameras, able to include, receive and manipulate and/or operate opening and closing of entry and exit gates.

[0098] The plurality of transit station computer systems 130 has connectivity capability for example by a telecommunication networks, a wireless network or a cellular network or a satellite network or any other communication means.

[0099] The system 100 includes a plurality of communication devices 140, each of the devices 140 may belong to a transit operator staff. The communication devices 140 include, for example, mobile telephones, personal computers (PC), mobile computers or any other suitable devices able to include, receive and manipulate and operate the inspection computer application module (INS-APP). The plurality of devices 140 has connectivity capability and for communication with the application server system 120, for example, by a cellular network or wireless network or any other mobile communication means.

[0100] FIG. 2 is a flow chart of a method 200 for an automatic payment of a transit fare from the communication device, for example smartphone. The method 200 comprises a plurality of stages including a stage 201 to a stage 207.

[0101] At the stage 201, the communication device, for example a mobile telephone, such as a smartphone, of a first user is provided with a SIM card inside, having a first registered telephone number “mobilenumber1”. The computer application module (APP) is downloaded, with an appropriate APP distribution service for example PlayStore™ for Android and AppStore™ for iOS, through the Internet onto the mobile telephone and installed thereon.

[0102] At the stage 202: as part of the installation procedure, the computer application module (APP) receives “mobilenumber1” from the SIM card, either automatically or by user input, and submits it to the application server system.

[0103] At the sage 203: the application server system sends an SMS with an OTP (one time password) to “mobilenumber1” to verify the mobile number. On receiving the OTP by user input, the computer application module (APP) submits it automatically to the application server system.

[0104] At the stage 204: upon successful verification of “mobilenumber1”, the application server system automatically activates a first user account.

[0105] At the stage 205: upon activating the first user account, the computer application module (APP) on mobile telephone prompts the user to type the amount of funds to be registered on the user account for automatic payment of transit fare and select a payment method.

[0106] At the stage 206: upon user command and request, the computer application module (APP) sends the application server system the amount of the funds to be registered and the selected payment method to process the payment.

[0107] At the stage 207: upon successful payment, the application server system issues a machine readable fund indicator with available funds and a transaction statement to the computer application module (APP).

[0108] FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating the stages/steps 301 and 302 for machine reading the fund indicator by the validation terminal at entry and exit gates and automatically deducting the transit fare from the user account of the passenger.

[0109] At the stage/step 301: Upon machine-reading the fund indicator by the validation terminal installed at an entry gate, the entry gate barricade opens for passenger to enter the station, the transit station computer system sends the data on the fund indicator to the application server system. The application server verifies the funds indicated by the fund indicator with the actual amount available on the user account and, on successful verification, updates the transaction statement for immediate feedback to the passenger.

[0110] At the stage 302: Upon machine-reading the fund indicator by a validation terminal installed at the exit gate, the exit gate barricade opens for the passenger to exit the station, the transit station computer system sends the data on the fund indicator to the application server. The application server system calculates the transit fare for the journey undertaken by the passenger, reissues the fund indicator with balance funds available after deducting the transit fare, and updates the transaction statement for immediate feedback to the passenger.

[0111] FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating the stages/steps 401 and 402 for inspecting the user account of the passenger on the inspection computer application module (INS-APP) and exit-registering the passenger by the transit operator staff.

[0112] At the stage 401: The transit operator staff types the mobile number of the passenger for reading by the inspection computer application module (INS-APP) and causes it submitted to the application server system. The application server system sends the fund indicator with funds available and entry-registration details of the passenger to the inspection computer application module (INS-APP) to verify the detail with the passenger.

[0113] At the stage 402: On successful verification, the transit operator staff is exit-registering the passenger by machine-reading the fund indicator, as displayed on the inspection computer application module (INS-APP), by a validation terminal at an exit gate, and the exit gate barricade opens for the passenger to exit the station. The application server system reissues the fund indicator with balance funds available after deducting the transit fare, updates the transaction statement to the computer application module (APP) of the passenger.