Automated Fare Collection System (AFC)
End-to-end digital fare collection with validator + central server + immutable transaction ledger.
Last updated: 08.08.2026
An Automated Fare Collection (AFC) system lets public transport fares be collected digitally via smart card, phone NFC, QR ticket or bank card instead of cash. In Sole Akbil, every passage is read at the in-vehicle validator, the fare is calculated by card type, and it is written to an immutable transaction ledger (ledger) and synced to the central panel. This prevents revenue leakage, shares revenue fairly among vehicle owners, and reports every transaction in real time.
System Components
- Validator: the in-vehicle smart card reading and fare-deduction device (Sole Akbil T20/T10)
- Central server: atomic/idempotent balance operations and the ledger
- Management panel: reporting, fares and dealer management
- Card/QR: Mifare city card, phone NFC, QR ticket, EMV Credit Card
How Does It Work?
- The passenger taps their card/phone/QR ticket on the validator.
- The fare is calculated by card type, the balance is deducted.
- The transaction is written to the immutable ledger and synced to the center.
- Revenue is reported in the panel by vehicle/route/driver.
Why AFC? - Benefits for Vehicle Owner, Driver and Passenger
| For the vehicle owner | The driver's contact with cash is eliminated, revenue leakage is prevented; revenue increases; upfront collection from passengers; money collected on routes is shared equally and fairly among all vehicle owners; detailed daily/weekly/monthly vehicle reports are available; full and student passage data is readily available. |
|---|---|
| For the driver | Handling cash inside the vehicle is eliminated, balance top-up happens at top-up points before boarding the minibus; driving safety increases since contact with money is cut; the vehicle's departure time is easily tracked; different sounds alert the driver for full/student/discounted card use. |
| For the passenger | The hassle of paying and tracking change disappears; they tap their card and sit right down; parents can load weekly/monthly fare for students and track it easily; travel comfort is provided with a single smart card, without carrying cash; trip times get shorter. |
The Sole Akbil Difference
The Sole Akbil AFC architecture is offline-first: card reading and collection continue even if the internet goes down. Because revenue is based on an immutable ledger, reconciliation is closed to manipulation. See the validator software page for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does AFC gain over a cash system?
Cash contact is eliminated, revenue leakage is prevented, revenue is collected upfront and transparently, and every transaction becomes reportable.
Can fares still be collected if the internet goes down?
Yes. Sole Akbil validators work offline; transactions are queued on the device and sent to the center once the connection returns.
How is revenue distributed to vehicle owners?
Because every passage is recorded by plate/vehicle, revenue can be shared fairly and transparently among vehicle owners in the panel.
Get a Quote for the Automated Fare Collection System
Talk to our technical team about the right setup for your organization.