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Logistics and Transport
Public Transport Ticketing System
The goal of this project was to upgrade the printed circuit board (PCB) in the public transport ticketing system to enable smooth and reliable communication between the ticketing system’s hardware and the cloud-based server. This involved updating the board’s design and integrating cutting-edge technologies for both communication and testing.
The Jadę! system is a cloud-based public transport ticketing solution designed to simplify fare payments and optimize the commuting experience. The system allows users to purchase and manage different types of tickets, such as single-fare, short-term passes, or long-term subscriptions, through a mobile application or dedicated card. For transport operators, the system offers precise insights into customer behavior and real-time data management.
The goal was to not only update it for current needs but also make it possible to give new functions later without creating a new main board.
Jadę! System Overview
Efficient public transport systems require streamlined ticketing solutions that cater to the needs of modern commuters. The Jadę! (I go!) cloud-based ticketing system aims to enhance user experience, improve accessibility, and promote cost-efficiency. Leveraging the latest advancements in cloud computing and digital payments, this system will provide a seamless and flexible ticketing experience.
1. Cloud Infrastructure
The system is hosted on a scalable cloud platform, ensuring reliability and the ability to handle peak loads. Key cloud services include:
- Compute Services: For running application logic and managing user sessions.
- Storage Services: Secure storage of user data, transaction records, and ticket information.
- Database Services: High-performance databases for quick access to user and ticket data.
2. Mobile App
- User-Friendly Interface: Easy navigation and ticket purchase process.
- Comprehensive Dashboard & Account Management: Users can view their ticket history, manage their transport cards, and update payment methods.
- AI ticket fare calculation: Dynamic ticket handling that adjusts the type of ticket based on user activity and cost efficiency.
- Notifications: Alerts for ticket expiry and low balance.
- Online Support: Access to customer support and FAQs with the possibility to integrate chatbots.
3. Security and Compliance
- Encryption: All transactions and sensitive data are encrypted.
- Compliance: Adherence to PCI-DSS standards for payment processing and GDPR for data protection.
4. API Integration
- Payment Gateway APIs: Integration with multiple payment gateways to support credit card transactions.
- Transport System APIs: Interfaces with existing transport management systems for real-time ticket validation and updates.
Flexibility of payment and fare
1. Flexible Payment Options
- Credit Card Payments: Users can pay for tickets using their credit cards, and the ticket is registered directly on the card.
- Dedicated Transport Card: An option for users to use a dedicated transport card linked to their account, ideal for purchasing long-term passes.
2. Dynamic Ticket Conversion – Automatically converts multiple single-fare tickets into a short-term pass once the total cost exceeds the price of the pass, ensuring users get the best value for their money.
3. Comprehensive Ticket Types – depending on the fares that transportation providers order, any type of ticket may be purchased: single-fare tickets for occasional travelers, short-term passes for visitors and tourists, and long-term passes (eg. monthly or semestral) for regular commuters.
Technologies used for the PCB update
In order to ensure seamless communication between the PCB and the cloud-based server, several key technologies were employed in the design and development process:
Embedded Systems Programming
- Microcontroller Integration: A high-performance microcontroller was used to handle real-time data processing and communication between the hardware (ticket reader or validator) and the cloud server.
- Serial Communication (UART/SPI/I2C): The board was equipped with communication protocols such as UART and SPI to enable data transfer between components like card readers and sensors.
Wireless Connectivity
- Wi-Fi/Bluetooth Modules: These modules were integrated into the board to enable wireless communication with the cloud server. Wi-Fi was primarily used for high-speed data transfer, while Bluetooth facilitated local communication for tasks such as syncing the device with user smartphones.
- LTE/4G Modules: To ensure reliable connectivity in areas with limited Wi-Fi access, LTE modules were incorporated, providing continuous data flow to the server.
Cloud Integration
- MQTT Protocol: The Message Queuing Telemetry Transport (MQTT) protocol was implemented for lightweight, real-time communication between the device and the cloud server. This protocol was chosen due to its low bandwidth consumption and ability to handle intermittent connections.
- RESTful API: A RESTful API was developed to manage communication between the board and the server, handling requests for ticket validation, purchase updates, and data synchronization.
Data Security
- TLS/SSL Encryption: To ensure secure communication between the PCB and the server, Transport Layer Security (TLS) was implemented to encrypt data transmissions and protect sensitive information such as payment details and ticketing records.
- Secure Boot and Firmware Updates: The board was designed with secure boot capabilities to prevent unauthorized firmware updates, ensuring only verified software could be installed on the device.
Technologies used for testing
Rigorous testing of the updated PCB and its communication capabilities was critical to ensure system reliability. The following testing technologies and methodologies were applied:
- Automated Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) Testing
- The HIL testing framework was used to simulate real-world scenarios, ensuring the board’s communication with the server was stable and responsive under various conditions. It allowed us to validate the board’s behavior in a controlled environment without needing to deploy in the field.
- Unit and Integration Testing
- Unit Testing: Individual components of the PCB, such as communication modules and the microcontroller, were tested using automated unit testing frameworks to ensure they functioned correctly in isolation.
- Integration Testing: Once the individual modules passed unit testing, they were integrated, and communication between the hardware, firmware, and cloud server was rigorously tested.
- RF Signal Testing
- For testing wireless communication modules (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and LTE), specialized RF signal testing tools were used to measure signal strength, data transfer rates, and potential interference. This ensured robust communication in different network environments.
- Environmental Stress Testing
- The PCB was subjected to environmental stress tests, including temperature, humidity, and vibration tests, to ensure that the board’s performance remained consistent in varying real-world conditions.
- Security Penetration Testing
- The communication protocols and encryption were tested for vulnerabilities by simulating potential cyberattacks, ensuring that the system adhered to industry standards for secure data transmission.
Updated system benefits
The PCB update not only improved communication with the cloud-based server but also offered several additional advantages:
Faster Data Transmission: The inclusion of high-speed communication modules (Wi-Fi, LTE) and optimized protocols (MQTT, RESTful API) reduced latency in ticket validation and real-time data updates.
Improved Reliability: With redundant communication options (Wi-Fi, LTE), the system ensures uninterrupted connectivity, even in remote areas.
Enhanced Security: The combination of encryption, secure boot, and regular firmware updates protected both user data and the system’s integrity.
Scalability: The updated PCB allows for easy integration of new features or technologies as the system evolves, supporting future growth in smart city initiatives.
Benefits for travellers
Convenience
Easy and quick ticket purchases and management.
Cost Savings
Dynamic ticket conversion ensures users always get the best value.
Flexibility
Multiple payment options and ticket types.
Benefits for transport authorities
Efficiency
Easy ticketing process reduces administrative overhead.
Data Insights & Revenue Optimization
Detailed analytics on user behavior, ticket usage & sales.
Cost saving
Transferring the purchasing process to users' devices relieves the burden on city infrastructure.
Summary
The PCB update project for the Jadę! public transport ticketing system represents a crucial step in modernizing and enhancing the communication between hardware devices and cloud servers. By integrating advanced wireless technologies, secure communication protocols, and rigorous testing processes, we have significantly improved the system’s reliability, security, and scalability. This ensures that the Jadę! system can continue to meet the demands of modern commuters while providing transport operators with valuable real-time data and insights.
