AFC systems automate the process of issuing, validating and collecting passenger fares across railway and metro networks. They can support smart cards, contactless bank cards, mobile tickets, QR codes and other electronic payment methods.

A typical AFC system may include Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs), Ticket Office Machines (TOMs), Automatic Gates (AGs), validators, station computers, central servers and associated communication networks.

Modern AFC systems can also support account-based ticketing (ABT) and open-loop contactless payment, allowing passengers to travel using bank cards or mobile wallets without purchasing a conventional ticket.

Key Functions: Fare calculation; ticket/card issuance; payment processing; ticket validation; automatic gate control; passenger transaction recording; revenue management; equipment monitoring; reporting and integration with central systems.

mainline, high_speed, metro, light_rail, station

ISO/IEC 14443 – Contactless proximity cards used for smart-card and fare-media applications.
ISO/IEC 18092 (NFCIP-1) – Near Field Communication (NFC) interface and protocol requirements.
ISO/IEC 7816 – Identification cards with integrated circuits/contact smart cards.
EN 1545 – Identification card systems and surface transport applications, including data elements used in public transport.
ISO 24014-1 – Public transport interoperable fare management system architecture.
EMV Contactless Specifications – Relevant where AFC systems accept contactless bank cards and mobile wallets.
PCI DSS – Payment-card data security requirements applicable where AFC processes card payments.
UITP – Industry guidance and publications relating to ticketing, fare collection and public transport payment systems.